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1.
This article discusses the potential weakness of location-based questions for chat reference consortia and the actions taken to overcome this weakness by Florida's Ask a Librarian Reference Service. Ask a Librarian is a statewide chat reference consortium where users are able to pose questions to any librarian from 115 participating agencies. In turn, any agency's librarian is able to respond to questions from any user. This article discusses findings from three focus groups with librarians who staff the service. In addition, the article includes a discussion of the efforts to overcome the weakness by both populating and encouraging use of the service's knowledge base. 相似文献
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A library's web site is a virtual “front door” to its services and collections. Libraries can use their “Ask a Librarian” pages to promote reference services and to inform patrons about the different options available. Much variation is found in the naming of those pages and the number and type of reference contact options they include. This article reports the results of an examination of the reference assistance pages of libraries that are members of the Association of Research Libraries. In particular, the study attempted to determine whether virtual modes of reference service are being promoted at the expense of traditional options. 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(79-80):241-255
Summary Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library first introduced virtual reference in May 2001 after four months of preparation. In the summer of 2002, University Library decided to reconsider the virtual reference software and provider and implemented a new service during the fall 2002 semester. A Reference Team Working Group was formed to review replacement options for the virtual reference software the library had been using for about a year. The decision to find a new virtual reference service was prompted by the connectivity and electronic resource compatibility problems experienced with the first virtual reference software the library chose. This article compares and contrasts the two virtual reference services used at IUPUI University Library and describes the two virtual reference projects. Following the article is a checklist of “Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Virtual Reference Service.” 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(1):17-29
ABSTRACT In spring 2005, Sims Memorial Library at Southeastern Louisiana University initiated “Text A Librarian,” a service that enables Southeastern students, faculty, and staff to use the text message feature of their cell phones to send questions to and receive answers from the library. Librarians at Sims use a dedicated text messaging telephone number and “e-mail/SMS” conversion software, provided by Altarama Systems and Services, to send and receive text messages. 相似文献
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《College & Undergraduate Libraries》2013,20(3):63-85
ABSTRACT Since the implementation of its instant messaging reference service in the 2000-2001 academic year, the librarians at the University at Buffalo (UB) have succeeded in creating a vital presence for virtual reference. The Instant Librarian chat service, open 57 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, supplements the traditional face-to-face and e-mail reference services available at UB. Real-time reference using AOL Instant Messenger addresses the expectations of a well-informed population of UB users comfortable with the conveniences enjoyed via the Internet, such as file sharing and instant messaging. Librarians at UB use Instant Librarian to their advantage by employing active learning techniques, while answering both simple and complex questions. A chat session is a unique way to reach a patron who normally would not come into the library for help. In the chatroom, the librarian creates a positive teaching environment, prompting repeat visits and even in-person follow-up research consultations. This paper describes the nuts and bolts of UB's chat reference service and illustrates ways UB librarians attempt to incorporate teaching strategies within the online environment. The first section discusses issues such as staff training, technology/software problems, marketing/publicity matters, and the methodology and purpose of a user survey. The second section addresses the instruction element of UB's Instant Librarian. Librarians take advantage of the online environment to promote self-directed learning. The paper also includes a literature review highlighting published articles, books, and surveys that examine the significant facets of a real-time reference service. 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(79-80):183-200
Summary This paper presents the results of a use analysis and the results of a user survey of Bowling Green State University Libraries' “Chat with a Librarian” service for the academic year 2001-2002. When appropriate, the results are compared with the results of other libraries' services. Information examined includes when and from where users ask questions via the services, how users find out about the service, and what types of questions the users ask, the status and affiliation of the users, and user satisfaction with the service. Most of this information can be compared to findings from at least one other academic library's study of a somewhat similar service. With a few exceptions, the findings are similar from service to service. 相似文献
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《College & Undergraduate Libraries》2013,20(2):89-102
ABSTRACT Utah State University has successfully implemented a service that incorporates e-mail reference and an appointment-based model. The advantages of the Term Paper & Research Assistance service are reviewed. The program incorporates a great deal of flexibility for the participating librarians and the clients they serve and eliminates the need for a “coordinator.” Use statistics and positive student feedback have underscored the service's potential for future growth. 相似文献
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《The Journal of Academic Librarianship》2019,45(5):102032
This paper will discuss the 2018 redesign of the University of Michigan Library's Ask a Librarian reference service. The library's tiered reference model relies heavily on the support of graduate student and part-time staff — a temporary workforce that is expectably vulnerable to high turnover. As such, a training program must consider the vast knowledge required of staff to prepare them for providing reference service, provide ongoing support/training, and be sensitive to the constraints, responsibilities, and roles of these employees, who are often first and foremost, full-time students and/or individuals working multiple jobs. The training redesign focused on the creation of an interactive, online learning component that could also provide a knowledge base of support for staff to continually refer to, while engaged learning activities were emphasized during limited in-person training sessions to reinforce training and offer opportunities to build camaraderie between new staff and their fellow colleagues. 相似文献
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Stone ME Foxman C Sostack M Francar L Hall P Markwell LG 《Medical reference services quarterly》2003,22(2):93-105
The librarians at four hospital libraries describe the electronic reference service, "Ask A Librarian," offered at their institutions. The hospitals are vastly different in size and in number of library staff, and offer the "Ask A Librarian" service to different clientele. The article illustrates that both large hospitals with a large library staff and small hospitals with a solo librarian and some volunteers can offer this type of service. 相似文献
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《Public Services Quarterly》2013,9(2-3):19-32
Abstract Library instruction about reference materials, databases, and quality web sites never goes out of fashion for students, faculty, or staff. An annual professional development program on the Colorado State University campus offers an opportunity to provide specialized library instruction to targeted faculty and staff members. For two consecutive years, the authors offered a workshop called “«Find it Fast»: Research Tips for People in a Hurry.” Using a standardized assessment tool, attendees were asked to rank their level of satisfaction with various aspects of the instruction session. By evaluating and incorporating this feedback, the authors modified and enhanced the workshop's format and content. Higher levels of user satisfaction are achieved in the second year, along with recommendations to continue and broaden the workshop. 相似文献
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Keith Weimer 《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(2):108-123
The author discusses “Text a Librarian,” a short message service-to-email service provided via Upside Wireless, Inc., a Canadian telecommunications provider. Any user of the University of Virginia Library who has a cell phone and text messaging capability can send a text message to a local phone number provided by Upside Wireless. Upside's “virtual SMS channel,” which forwards the message to the Library's reference e-mail account. Librarians then respond to the query with an e-mail message that the user receives as a text message on his or her cell phone. This article describes the process by which a library developed the idea for the service and decided to contract with Upside, as well as staffing for the service and the challenges, successes, and possible new directions. A brief survey of the SMS reference landscape is included. 相似文献
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《College & Undergraduate Libraries》2013,20(4):43-54
Abstract Launching virtual chat reference services at Boatwright Library at the University of Richmond has been an interesting challenge of “trial and error” over the years. After trying several different software programs and staffing options, librarians have finally found a niche with AOL's Instant Messenger service. The first section of the article describes a path of experimentation, including early collaborations with the computing services help desk, staffing patterns within the library, technical and financial challenges with virtual reference software, and attempts to get students to use reference chat services. The second half of the case study describes the great success with AIM service in the past year, providing statistical information as well as coverage of training and guidelines, advertising, and staffing. This article touches on a number of themes, including the value of experimenting with a variety of chat reference software programs, and the need for library staff to stay current with new technologies. 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(59):139-146
Summary New reference desk staffing configurations are required as reference service evolves from locating in-library resources to using and teaching the use of electronic resources. The tangible and intangible benefits achieved by scheduling technical services staff to assist at the reference desk are discussed. Intangible benefits include improved library service due to technical services staff expertise, and greater flexibility for reference desk staffing. The reference staff can also learn more about the automated library system and current processing initiatives from their technical services colleagues. Technical services staff benefits from seeing the results of their work in a public services setting and experiencing the satisfaction of helping users locate needed information. A stronger sense of library service is instilled in the “back room.” Technical services staff will also enjoy more challenge, opportunity, and variety in their work. Some tangible benefits realized at the University of Minnesota's Bio-Medical Library, which are directly related to the scheduling of technical services staff at the reference desk, are also briefly described. 相似文献
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《College & Undergraduate Libraries》2013,20(4):117-127
Abstract Researchers performed a cost and benefit analysis of the University of South Florida's locally controlled chat service and compared the results to the advantages and expenses associated with a chat consortium. An evaluation of chat sessions revealed that a substantial portion of the inquiries received relate to university-specific interests. In addition to the local nature of chat questions, library staff used USF statistics to estimate the staffing, software, and training costs of the current chat reference service. The collaborative service under consideration involves both additional costs and benefits. A final decision, however, requires an in-depth assessment of several factors. Supplementary factors in this examination include a brief history of USF virtual reference service and the current trends in instant messaging that support the continuance of chat reference. 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(75-76):163-172
Summary Emerging technologies continue to offer librarians new opportunities to improve user services. Comment and query links on some library web pages are absorbing a significant share of the customer service workload previously handled by traditional reference desks. Fa miliar types of patron problems of course continue to crop up at the “vir tual reference desk.” New and different aspects of patron problems also appear. Originating with the experiences of a research university li brary's web group in dealing with incoming user messages, this study examines the challenges as well as advantages of dealing with “problem patron” phenomena in a virtual environment. 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(95-96):113-124
Abstract The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, as a county government agency, is required to follow a specific budget planning process in order to obtain funding for library programs and services. One tool of this planning process-the “decision unit”-requires advanced planning and continued evaluation of potential and existing library services. Prior to receiving funds for any new service, performance measures must be established in order to measure the success of the service in relation to the public money invested. This article will look at the evaluation process built into the funding of the library's participation in a statewide virtual reference service and the implications for continuation and/or expansion of this service based on continued assessment. 相似文献
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《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(95-96):81-98
Abstract As digital and chat reference services become established as another way to do business, many libraries juggle the delivery of consortial and local virtual reference services. Balancing services without overtaxing staff and resources presents a number of challenges. How, for example, do libraries staff more than one chat reference service in addition to traditional services? Or more critically, how are subject specialists used to their greatest advantage in a multi-type library service? This article explores the benefits and issues of offering service at the statewide and local level based on OSU's experience and describes how OSU responded to these issues. 相似文献
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Abstract In 2001-02, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) Library tested and implemented secure Web ordering and delivery of journal articles, using Prospero for interlibrary loan, photocopy service, Circuit Librarian service, and document delivery between library branches. The goal was to deliver photocopied and interlibrary loan journal articles faster than campus mail, U.S. mail, or the courier service. In December 2001, eight staff began delivering articles electronically to one remote site as part of the Library Electronic Article Delivery (LEAD) pilot project. Electronic desktop delivery has since expanded to serve two branch libraries and UTHSCSA, San Antonio, and South Texas healthcare professionals. By reviewing the basis and describing the three phase pilot project, the author hopes to articulate the implementation of a new electronic service in a medical library. 相似文献