Tour Trends in Academic ARL Libraries

Abstract

This study explores tour trends in academic Association of Research Libraries (ARL), specifically examining the prevalence of several tour formats, including guided, self-guided, and virtual Web tours. Results from a survey conducted in November 2000 include statistical information about tour administration, audience, and structure, as well as perceptions of librarians in the field. Although tours are still a standard service in most academic ARL libraries, few libraries have formalized methods of testing the efficacy of each format. With the exception of guided tours, librarians’ perceptions of tour effectiveness are dramatically inconsistent with the types of tours they choose to offer.