Digital Reference Services

Description

Extensive data on the theoretical and practical aspects of electronic reference services! Digital Reference Services provides an overview of electronic reference services and software, and explores the opportunities that real-time digital reference services can offer in a variety of library settings. Experts in the field convey numerous opinions and theory about the growth of this new approach... Read more

Extensive data on the theoretical and practical aspects of electronic reference services!

Digital Reference Services provides an overview of electronic reference services and software, and explores the opportunities that real-time digital reference services can offer in a variety of library settings. Experts in the field convey numerous opinions and theory about the growth of this new approach to answering reference questions. This book teaches librarians new methods and techniques for offering technologically advanced reference services to the public.

The first half of Digital Reference Services includes such topics as:

real-time or “live online” reference services
the historical development of digital reference services and the role of the reference librarian
mediated online searches
how to create a virtual-ready reference collection of elite reference Web sites—includes a list of the top sites available to the public
how to start and operate a digital reference desk in your library

The second half of Digital Reference Services covers examples of libraries—both large and small—which have used revolutionary ideas to bring electronic reference services to their patrons. These ideas include:

utilizing ATM-like kiosks in remote locations from library buildings to connect with underserved populations
implementing live, interactive web-based reference services—the challenges and benefits, cost, training, and workload requirements
evaluating your real-time references services—investigating self-assessment and blind reviewing, incorporating your assessment into an existing evaluative program, and obtaining the administrative support essential for an accurate assessment
creating a statewide virtual reference system—selecting software, developing policy, marketing, coordinating the project, and staffing and training
online reference management for smaller libraries—because of the smaller staff, smaller budget, and smaller amount of patrons, is it a feasible addition to the library?
much more!

This well-referenced volume contains case examples, figures, useful Web sites, and case histories to show how the basic principles of digital reference services work. Librarians and students of information and library science will find Digital Reference Services a helpful resource to enhance their library and electronic reference expertise. Read less

Preface
INTRODUCTION TO PART I
Digital Reference: An Overview
POINTS OF VIEW
Virtually Yours: Thoughts on Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going with Virtual Reference Services in Libraries
The Digital Reference Fallacy
Bad Moon Rising: A Candid Examination of Digital Reference and What It Means to the Profession
OPERATION PRINCIPLES AND AIDS
Mediated Online Searching and Digital Reference
Stocking the Virtual Ready Reference Collection
A Checklist for Starting and Operating a Digital Reference Desk
CHAT SERVICES
Hurry Up and Wait: Observations and Tips About the Practice of Chat Reference
Communication Strategies for Instant Messaging and Chat Reference Services
Real-Time Chat Reference and the Importance of Text-Chat
INTRODUCTION TO PART II
Opportunities For Real-Time Digital Reference Services
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Usage and User Analysis of a Real-Time Digital Reference Service
Going Where The Students Are: Live/Web Reference At Cal Poly Pomona
Virtual Reference at Duke: An Informal History
Evaluating Online Real-Time Reference in an Academic Library: Obstacles and Recommendations
Our Experience with Two Virtual Reference Services at IUPUI University Library
KANAnswer: A Collaborative Statewide Virtual Reference Pilot Project
Virtual Reference Services: The LSU Libraries Experience
Ask a Penn State Librarian, Live: Virtual Reference Service at Penn State
Chat Reference: One University’s Experience
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Going It Alone: Can a Small/Medium-Sized Library Manage Live Online Reference?
Index
Reference Notes Included

Author(s)

Biography

Linda S Katz

Digital Reference Services

Description

Table of Contents

Author(s)

Biography

SOCIAL NETWORKS

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