The first step in using Reference Analytics is to add transactions into the form. To log an interaction, you’ll need to know the question type, patron type, method of communication, your department and your role. Please keep reading to learn how to correctly utilize this form

Begin by filling out the Question / Activity field. These fields are full-text searchable and viewable by all users, so any personal patron information must be removed. Whenever possible, include information that may help to identify resources, services, and events. 

• Enter the patron inquiry into the top Question field. This does not need to be comprehensive, keywords are fine especially since you are limited on characters. If more information or context is necessary it can be included in the larger box under the initial question field. 
• Enter your response into the Answer field. This does not need to be comprehensive, keywords are fine. 

• If you are entering a transaction that happened previously you may edit the date / time. 
• Ensure the Answered By field is the person who answered the question (usually the person who is completing the form).
• Do NOT include transaction in public knowledge base.
• Internal note field should be used to enter the number of attendees for a group event. 

The first five fields on the form are required. They are:

• Question / Activity
• Method
• Patron
• Your Department - The department you are in.

• Role - Your role in the library.

Question / Activity

• General Information - Answers that provide information but do not involve the consultation of library or information resources. 
• Research / Reference - Answers that involve library resource consultation and reference knowledge / skills are used. 
• Comment / Issue / Suggestion - No question is asked but feedback (whether positive or negative) is given. 
• Consultation - A scheduled research appointment. 
• Instruction / Presentation / Workshop / Tour - Group information session on library resources. 
• Outreach / Event / Tabling - Event to promote or raise awareness of library resources. 

Method - how the communication took place.

• In-person - Transaction took place face-to-face or the activity was conducted by a library employee at a specific location such as the library or a classroom on campus.
• Phone - Transaction was initiated by a phone call.
• Chat - Transaction was initiated virtually by a message to the library chat service.
• Email - Transaction was initiated virtually in a message sent by email. 
• Text SMS - Transaction was initiated virtually through a text-based SMS message.
• Virtual Meeting- Transaction took place in a virtual media setting such as a webinar or via video chat.
• Hybrid (Virtual/In-person) - The activity took place in a physical setting such as a classroom or in the library, and it was offered in a "live" virtual setting for online participants. 
• Mail- Questions received via physical mail. 
• Other - Any other transaction that does not fall into the listed categories.

There is no multiple. Select the method that was last used. 

Patron is the person asking the question or contacting the library. The best guess is selected when possible.

• Student (unknown) - A current UNT student with an unknown classification or status. 
• Undergraduate Student - A current UNT undergraduate student.
• Graduate Student - A current UNT graduate student.
• Faculty - A current UNT faculty or instructor.
• Staff - A current UNT staff member.
• Guest/Community - An individual who is not currently affiliated. This includes, but is not limited to::
  • Prospective students who are considered guests until they are actively enrolled.
  • Former students which includes alumni and those previously enrolled.
  • Retired Faculty and former faculty.
• Group - A group of patrons. Please include an internal note of the number of attendees. 
• Other - The patron's status is known but does not fall under one of the designated patron fields.
• Unknown - The patron's status is unknown and you cannot reasonably assume that they are a student from the context of the question.

The rest of the form is NOT required. However, when applicable consider adding the fields below:

• Time Spent - around how long the transaction took place
• Add-ons - A list of services and resources that were consulted. This can be selected to pull more in-depth data on the use of a specific resources or service. For example, Music might require employees to select the Soundbox resource if they want a better idea of how often it is being used. 

Need more help? Take a look at the examples tab for more specific scenarios on how to complete the form. 

Requests for trainings or modifications to the form may be sent to Lib_LibAnswersAdmins@ad.unt.edu. Modification requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will typically be added to the Other category on the form.