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The introduction of ChatGPT 3.5 in November 2022 ignited a sensation in the academic community, leaving many astounded by its capabilities. This new release more closely emulates human responses than its predecessors. Among its remarkable capabilities, it can answer questions, catalog items in MARC21, recommend reading lists, and make suggestions on a wide array of topics. To assess ChatGPT’s efficacy in aiding library users, the authors of this paper conducted an experiment comparing ChatGPT’s performance with that of librarians in answering reference questions. Thirty questions were randomly selected from the transaction log of the reference inquiries between June 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023 at the Rider University Libraries. These queries constituted 34% of the total user questions during this two-month period. The authors compared the answers by ChatGPT and those by reference librarians for their accuracy, relevance, and friendliness. The findings indicate that reference librarians markedly outperformed their robotic counterpart. An evident issue arises from ChatGPT’s deficiency in understanding local policies and practices. This consequently hinders its ability to provide satisfactory answers in those areas. OpenAI posits that ChatGPT’s proficiency can be enhanced through targeted fine-tuning using locally specific information. At the moment, ChatGPT remains a great tool for librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a needs assessment exposed that even daily library users were unaware of the best resources, tools, and services, the Rider University Libraries switched gears from a focus on the creation of long step-by-step tutorials, to the creation of short promotional videos for all users, with attention on the needs of distance learners. This project was inspired by the Library Minute videos available on YouTube, with Rider University's own twist—many of the actors, directors, and scriptwriters for the videos are the college students themselves, working alongside the two School of Education liaison librarians. This paper includes some results of the assessments before and after to examine if the videos helped make students more aware of the Libraries’ resources and services. This paper also includes the creation of the videos and the publicizing of the videos in orientations, flipped classrooms, social media, and other appropriate venues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper will examine the motivations, considerations, and experiences of librarians at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's (UMDNJ) Health Sciences Library at Stratford (HSL@S), an academic library participating in Q and A NJ, the first 24/7, statewide interactive reference service. This library is in a unique position as the sole health sciences library participating in a statewide project of this scope and breadth. The author gives a unique perspective and demonstrates how multi-type libraries can work together to provide a multitude of benefits to all participants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An online survey, conducted in 2009, of New Jersey academic libraries' provides data for studying different types of reference models being used in a subset of libraries involved in science, engineering, medical, nursing, or allied health subject areas. Based on the results, the traditional library reference desk is still the primary mode for delivering reference services. However, some of these libraries are supplementing the traditional service with nontraditional forms of reference and are experimenting with a variety of virtual, Web 2.0 tools. Community colleges, private and state universities and private and state colleges participated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With the rapid increase of electronic databases, e-journals, electronic books, and digital collections in libraries, managing electronic resources is also becoming complex and challenging. It is an absolute necessity to have an effective electronic resources management (ERM). This article discusses our experience in choosing and implementing an open source ERM System (CORAL) at The College of New Jersey Library. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The consortium of New Jersey academic libraries, known as VALE NJ, has undertaken a collaborative project to track last copies of print titles which are of value to academic researchers. The VALE NJ Virtual Last Copy Collection identifies and tracks last-copy books statewide, preventing possible loss of valuable research resources and optimizing use of limited state higher education funding. This article describes the project, its history and implementation, and possible future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within today's academic libraries, computer labs are designed and built to satisfy multiple needs, such as an open lab, instructional facility, and staff development center. To accomplish this, it is necessary to focus on issues concerning staffing, scheduling, security, and maintenance, as well as address the conflicts that often arise among them. Learn how Rider University has successfully operated and managed a multi-purpose lab at Moore Library. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents information on the Internet use policies in four community college libraries in the U.S. Learning Resources Center at Tulsa Community College in Oklahoma; Robert E. Swenson Library at Cabrillo Community College in Aptos, California; Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center at the County College of Morris in Randolph, New Jersey; Grace van Dyke Bird Library at Bakersfield College in California.