The purpose of this project was to analyze reference transaction data in order to support decisions for optimizing staffing at the reference desks in Olin and Uris Libraries. Data about reference transactions have been compiled for over a year in the RSRS system. Using a subset of the RSRS data, this report presents charts and tables of the number of transactions that were submitted by hour, day of week, week, and month over a one-year period. Transaction category, duration, mode, and staff data are reported. Some limitations of the data and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Olin and Uris Library reference desks sees the most traffic during the fall and spring semesters (fall more than spring), early in the work week and at midday hours. Olin Library reported an average of 636 transactions per week during the fall semester, 500 transactions per week during the spring semester, and an average of 321 transactions per week during the summer break. Uris reported an average of 107 transactions per week during the fall semester and 92 per week transactions during the spring semester.