LIBRARY PROCTORS EXAMS

Library Administrator's Digest, Feb 2005

When most people think of taking a test, they break out in a cold sweat or they picture a classroom setting with students at their desks. Like everything else, technology has changed the way tests are given and taken. The library has always offered an exam proctoring service, but over the past year there has been a noticeable increase of requests for the service.

The Library Center proctors about 10 exams a month, the Library Station about half that and the Republic Branch a few each month as well. According to District Reference Manager Donna Bacon, "The explosion of distance learning brought with it a greater need for proctoring service. It became clear that a formal procedure was necessary."

A policy has been written and posted on the staff page under Reference Policy Manual. The policy explains that proctoring can be done at any library branch, but online testing must be done at the Library Center. It also lists any associated fees for faxing, printing or photocopying. The library provides proctoring services for free and is the only facility in the area to do so. Other organizations that provide this service charge a fee, which makes the library's service that much more valuable.

Libewire, Springfield-Greene County (MO) Library District, January 2005