Is it Necessary to Staff the Reference Desk During Summer and Intersessions?

Obviously less people use an academic library during the summer and intersession. Is it really necessary to staff it? Today I was at the desk from 10 AM until 1 PM. Here were my transactions:

1. Through a reference chat a student asked what is his textbook for a course he'll be taking in the Fall.
2. A student had a problem accessing information through the Highlander Pipeline. I let him use the reference phone to speak to the computing services help desk.
3. A student asked for a penci.

I highly suggest that a sign be placed directing students to the Circulation Desk. The clerk can refer a real reference question to a librarian who is in his/her office during the reference shift.

I actually heard that at Rider University there is a plate at the reference desk with the name and phone extesnion of the librarian on duty.

Reference librarians can be more productive working in their offices and coming out when their is a quesion that requires a professional to answer it.