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1.
ABSTRACT

As staffing models evolve for academic library service points, online chat reference services require strategic analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This paper will examine the perception of chat reference before and after staffing changes from faculty librarians, staff, and graduate assistants to non-MLIS library professionals and graduate assistants at Florida State University’s a large, public research university library. Our survey explores satisfaction levels and perception of both patrons and library personnel before and after the staffing change.

Our analysis of 197 patron survey results determined that patrons are equally satisfied with non-librarian provision of chat reference services and found chat interactions to be comparable in quality and timeliness to chats staffed by librarians. Our research into staffer survey results revealed a slight decrease in satisfaction with operation of the service, notably in terms of confidence after the staffing transition even though this was not reflected in the patron satisfaction levels. This assessment indicates that library workers are equally as competent in staffing chat reference services as librarians from patron perspectives. As academic libraries continue to measure the value of staffing service desks with librarians, this study will provide relevant insight into how patrons and staffers are affected by changes in staffing models.  相似文献   

2.
《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   

3.
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(79-80):101-112
Summary

This article explores digital reference and offers practical advice to those interested in implementing a digital reference desk in their library. Digital/chat/online reference services are defined and practical guidelines on staffing, selecting and troubleshooting hardware and software, training, and marketing are offered for those establishing such a service.  相似文献   

4.
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   

5.
ABSTRACT

Virtual reference using chat or instant messaging clients (IM) has become an expected service offering for libraries seeking to cater to today's Web 2.0 patrons. The use of chat aggregators to monitor multiple accounts in one interface allows libraries to reach a wider audience of IM/chat users. Embedding chat widgets into library Web pages can further increase chat reference use because it allows patrons without IM/chat experience or accounts to reach librarians seamlessly. This article reviews the use of aggregator software for chat reference monitoring, examines the popularity of the MeeboMe! chat widget for embedded virtual reference and briefly describes the experiences and recommendations of librarians at Samford University Library as they have implemented its use.  相似文献   

6.
Abstract

As library service providers for distance learners, we are constantly searching for ways to assist them in their use of library resources. Virtual (real-time chat) reference is yet another tool to utilize in reaching these students. While virtual reference has been around for several years and many libraries offer such services, as a medium-sized institution, Emporia State University took some time to move into providing such a service on a formal basis. Several issues, including staffing and funding, delayed entrance into this arena. It was not until a collaborative academic reference venture among several academic libraries in the state was proposed that the ESU library was able to offer this service. Advantages and disadvantages of the collaboration will be discussed, as well as lessons learned that can be applied to any collaborative project.  相似文献   

7.
SUMMARY

Telephone reference services have been present in libraries for over seventy-five years. Chat reference services are a very recent addition to library services. Telephone and chat reference share some characteristics and the future of chat reference may be seen through an examination of the history of telephone reference. This article will examine issues of policy, staffing, and technology for telephone and chat reference.  相似文献   

8.
《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   

9.
This article discusses the InfoEyes Information Service, an innovative virtual reference service for individuals who are print-impaired, which began as a pilot project in 2004 and continues to serve this historically underserved population. The context for this discussion is framed by a brief historical summary of the provision of library services for people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States. Challenges facing this service such as accessibility of virtual reference chat products, reference staffing issues in talking book libraries, and the relationship to public library virtual reference services are also presented.  相似文献   

10.
RYT     
Abstract

From pilot project to mainstream reference service, this article chronicles the HELIN consortium's history with commercial virtual reference (VR) software and details its decision to switch from a centralized service to individually supported instant messaging (IM) reference services across its institutions. The authors discuss the development and implementation of their virtual reference service with emphasis on assessing its success using both commercial VR software and freeware IM applications at its different member institutions. Lessons learned, the pros and cons of offering collaborative virtual reference, and the challenges of integrating emerging technologies into library services are addressed as librarians seek to develop best practices for offering reference service in an increasingly virtual world.  相似文献   

11.
Using the multiple-case study method, this research investigates reasons why nine virtual reference (chat) services have been discontinued. The investigation of these five academic, one public, and three consortial chat services was conducted through structured e-mail and telephone interviews with the library decision makers and analysis of available reports and documents. The major reason for discontinuation was funding problems, followed by low volume (including low volume by target audience). Other reasons were staffing problems, technical problems, and institutional culture issues. Staffing issues included the need for comfortable staffing patterns, maintenance of sufficient volume to maintain proficiency, and cultivation of positive attitudes. Technical problems centered on software malfunctions and connectivity difficulties. Within two of the consortia, different patterns of funding, staffing, and mission posed difficulties for blended cultures that caused the consortia to break up. Despite all these issues, the possibility of restarting chat services, perhaps in consortia or with simpler chat software, exists for all services, with two services desiring to restart when funds and reorganization permit.  相似文献   

12.
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   

13.
Using the multiple-case study method, this research investigates reasons why nine virtual reference (chat) services have been discontinued. The investigation of these five academic, one public, and three consortial chat services was conducted through structured e-mail and telephone interviews with the library decision makers and analysis of available reports and documents. The major reason for discontinuation was funding problems, followed by low volume (including low volume by target audience). Other reasons were staffing problems, technical problems, and institutional culture issues. Staffing issues included the need for comfortable staffing patterns, maintenance of sufficient volume to maintain proficiency, and cultivation of positive attitudes. Technical problems centered on software malfunctions and connectivity difficulties. Within two of the consortia, different patterns of funding, staffing, and mission posed difficulties for blended cultures that caused the consortia to break up. Despite all these issues, the possibility of restarting chat services, perhaps in consortia or with simpler chat software, exists for all services, with two services desiring to restart when funds and reorganization permit.  相似文献   

14.
Abstract

Binghamton University Libraries implemented an IM reference service using the Trillian client to monitor multiple IM accounts at two distinct reference service points. This paper addresses the process and practical considerations of implementing the service including selection of the appropriate software, creation of IM accounts for each service, development of a staffing schedule, and training of reference staff. Also included is an outline of future plans for improving IM services for students and academic library users.  相似文献   

15.
Abstract

Carnegie Mellon University Libraries began its chat reference service in October of 2000. The article explains why library administrators decided to institute chat reference and the steps taken to implement this decision. The Libraries utilize commercial off-the-shelf software called LivePerson. Service evaluation features of LivePerson provide interesting data for analysis. Summary statistics of the service and the cumulative results of post chat surveys (filled out by chat patrons on a voluntary basis) are presented. Plans for future enhancements of the chat reference service are discussed.  相似文献   

16.
知识管理对图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务的理论阐释   总被引：15，自引：1，他引：15  
本文探讨以知识管理的研究视角对图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务进行理论阐释与实践引导。认为图书馆的虚拟参考咨询服务应做到：加强对显性知识的序化组织与展示，重视用户自助服务；采取善待电话咨询、完善Web表单咨询、配合Chat咨询的思路，深化图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务；重视人本管理，实现馆员与用户之间隐性知识资源的充分开发与交互；强化参考咨询软件的知识库功能，以及与馆藏资源检索无缝整合的功能，实现隐性知识与显性知识的互动转换；发扬知识联盟与知识共享的图书馆传统，走合作虚拟参考咨询之路。  相似文献   

17.
Online users seek help from virtual reference services via email, phone, texting, and live chat. Technologies have enabled new features in library websites to help make this service more accessible and effective. This article is an evaluation of an experimental pop-up live chat box on the website of a health sciences library to see whether the feature would enhance virtual reference services.  相似文献   

18.
《The Reference Librarian》2013,54(79-80):225-240
Summary

Online real-time or “chat” reference, while still in its infancy when compared to traditional reference services is beginning to come of age. The time has come to move beyond the earlier challenges and issues debated at length in the library profession and begin to consider how to evaluate real-time reference. This article will consider obstacles to evaluating chat reference and present practical recommendations. These obstacles are presented in four basic areas including; organizational structure, scarcity of resources, newness of the service, and difficulty developing techniques of assessment or applying existing methodology.  相似文献   

19.
Chat reference services offer the opportunity to provide immediate access to quality information to meet the medical information needs of students, faculty, staff, physicians, nurses, and allied health care professionals. Part 1 of this two-part article on chat reference service in medical libraries is an introduction to the management of chat reference services and to features available for chat reference. The management of chat reference services raises issues of planning, staffing, selecting, and marketing. Planning issues focus on the identification of the users, the users' medical information needs, and the users' information-seeking behavior. Staffing issues relate to the selection of chat hours, the location of the chat service, and participation in collaborative agreements. Selecting chat software weighs the sophistication of the chat features against the related cost. Marketing uses techniques similar to traditional reference services and often begins slowly as chat expertise develops. Part 2 of the article discusses trends in chat reference services in medical libraries.  相似文献   

20.
美国高校图书馆实时参考服务试验项目研究   总被引：4，自引：0，他引：4  
文章从人员配置、宣传推广、软件选择、咨询问题类型、服务评估等方面对8个美国高校图书馆的实时参考咨询试验项目进行了研究分析与经验总结。  相似文献   

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