ABSTRACT
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
- 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!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|17 pages
Introduction to Part I
part II|38 pages
Points of View
chapter 2|16 pages
Virtually Yours
chapter 4|12 pages
Bad Moon Rising
part III|56 pages
Operation Principles and Aids
part IV|49 pages
Chat Services
part V|19 pages
Introduction to Part II
part VI|127 pages
Academic Libraries
chapter 15|16 pages
Evaluating Online Real-Time Reference in an Academic Library
part VII|12 pages
Public Library