From the Director features articles by Mark X. Odum, NARIC’s director for more than 35 years. He shares his insights on library management, information services and technology, disability history, and living with spinal cord injury.

Every month, we connect with our colleagues in the NIDILRR community to share updates on what we’re doing and gather their latest news. Recently, we shared information on several new things happening with the project, including introducing our “Office Hours” service. I am excited to share the numerous benefits this service offers and how it can significantly support your research and project needs.

Enhanced Accessibility:

During Office Hours, patrons can schedule sessions with a librarian Tuesdays and Thursdays between 3 and 5 pm ET, providing a designated timeframe in which you can connect directly with an information specialist. This streamlines the process of accessing expert assistance, making it more convenient for patrons who seek face-to-face interaction and dedicated attention.

Personalized Support:

During these sessions, our knowledgeable librarians and information specialists can focus entirely on your specific research requests. Whether you need help with advanced search techniques, identifying reliable and high-quality resources online, or document sharing, our staff is prepared to offer personalized and thorough guidance tailored to your needs. You can also request to work with our staff who speak Spanish or use American Sign Language.

Advanced Tools and Technology:

Utilizing videoconferencing and screen sharing, we will be able to demonstrate techniques in real-time, offer immediate feedback, and collaboratively work through research challenges. This interactive approach ensures a deeper understanding and more effective use of available resources.

Grantee Assistance:

For NIDILRR grantees, Office Hours provides a valuable opportunity to review holdings, update project information, and receive assistance with literature searches promptly. This direct support allows for real-time project updates and ensures grantees can efficiently leverage our resources to advance their work.

Interactive Learning:

One of the key benefits of this service is the interactive nature of the meetings, which promotes active learning. By observing and engaging with our specialists, patrons can acquire new skills and techniques that they can apply independently in the future.

We believe that Office Hours will enhance your research experience by offering a structured yet flexible means of receiving expert support. Should you have any further questions or if you would like to schedule a session, please feel free to reach out to us at your earliest convenience.

We look forward to supporting your research endeavors through this new service.