Library Quarterly Report FY24 Q1: July-Sept 2023

Research Services

The library utilizes Springshare’s LibAnswers to track patron interactions. This quarter there were 343 total transactions, 141 of which were "reference questions." Most (58) were from VTRC personnel, while the nine VDOT divisions accounted for 57 transactions. In addition, there were 26 transactions from non-VDOT patrons. The quantity of literature search requests continues to be low but trended up slightly this quarter. We delivered two searches, which remains down from our historic average of 5 searches/quarter. In the past 7 quarters our average has been 1.3 searches a quarter. We are monitoring the service to make sure it meets our patron's expectations. 

Literature Search & Synthesis: The library's literature search service helps patrons avoid reinventing the wheel or missing research that is relevant to their topic but difficult to find and access. We completed two searches this quarter:
 

1. A Literature Search for Decision Support Tools to Assess Multi-Use Trail Funding Proposals
(Compiled for Audrey Moruza, VTRC Senior Research Scientist and Avi Hoen, Graduate Research Assistant, 76 pages)

2. Pilot Search: Possible Opportunities For State DOT Implementation of Artificial Intelligence
(Compiled for Mike Fitch, PhD, VTRC Research Director, and Cathy McGhee, PE, Deputy Chief Commissioner 50 pages)