NYPL Reference Letters — Service to Incarcerated People
NYPL Reference Letters — Service to Incarcerated People
Date
Fall 2024
Fall 2024
Professor
Project Link
Google Drive
Project Description
In this project, I was involved in answering reference questions from incarcerated individuals as part of the NYPL’s Correctional Services Program, supporting patrons with information and resources, and tailoring responses to their specific needs. We were tasked with responding to the letter assigned to us using Pratt’s library database and other library resources, as well as resources from NYPL Correctional Services, to answer our letters effectively.
Methods
When responding to the three letters I received, I prioritized evaluating the quality of my resources. This included considering their origin, the depth of information they provided, and their thoroughness. Additionally, I thought about how patrons would read and engage with the letters. I aimed to format them with an incarcerated individual’s perspective in mind, ensuring I included relevant information for each question. I made the letters not only easy to read but also highlighted key words that indicated which question I was answering. I verified the credibility of the sources I used, confirming they were reliable and adhered to the NYPL letter guidelines. Ultimately, I customized each letter to address the specific patron’s needs and inquiries.
Role & Contributions
Since this project was primarily an individual assignment, I acted as the researcher, designer, and primary responder. I conducted all my research independently, selecting the most appropriate information sources, ensuring clarity and accessibility for each answer, and aligning it with the specific needs of the incarcerated patrons.
Learning Outcome
User-Centered Services
Rationale
This project demonstrates my ability to critically evaluate sources and communicate information effectively to each individual patron. These letters highlight my strengths in creating thoughtful, tailored content that serves a diverse group of people. Both my design application and research capabilities emphasize the importance of clear, accessible information.
Gallery
Project Description
In this project, I was involved in answering reference questions from incarcerated individuals as part of the NYPL’s Correctional Services Program, supporting patrons with information and resources, and tailoring responses to their specific needs. We were tasked with responding to the letter assigned to us using Pratt’s library database and other library resources, as well as resources from NYPL Correctional Services, to answer our letters effectively.
Methods
When responding to the three letters I received, I prioritized evaluating the quality of my resources. This included considering their origin, the depth of information they provided, and their thoroughness. Additionally, I thought about how patrons would read and engage with the letters. I aimed to format them with an incarcerated individual’s perspective in mind, ensuring I included relevant information for each question. I made the letters not only easy to read but also highlighted key words that indicated which question I was answering. I verified the credibility of the sources I used, confirming they were reliable and adhered to the NYPL letter guidelines. Ultimately, I customized each letter to address the specific patron’s needs and inquiries.
Role & Contributions
Since this project was primarily an individual assignment, I acted as the researcher, designer, and primary responder. I conducted all my research independently, selecting the most appropriate information sources, ensuring clarity and accessibility for each answer, and aligning it with the specific needs of the incarcerated patrons.
Learning Outcome
User-Centered Services
Rationale
This project demonstrates my ability to critically evaluate sources and communicate information effectively to each individual patron. These letters highlight my strengths in creating thoughtful, tailored content that serves a diverse group of people. Both my design application and research capabilities emphasize the importance of clear, accessible information.
Gallery