Chat Reference at Carnegie Mellon University

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.     

澳大利亚的合作虚拟参考服务

合作虚拟参考服务是图书馆通过网络为用户提供不受地区、时间限制的专业咨询服务。本文介绍了澳大利亚合作虚拟参考服务的四个代表性项目，并以此为基础探索和研究了澳大利亚合作虚拟参考服务的发展特点和趋势。     

试论虚拟参考咨询服务成本预算模型

在介绍“间隔时间”成本预算模型的基础上，对该模型进行简化，使其适合中
国图书馆界虚拟参考咨询服务的实践。     

RUSA虚拟参考咨询服务实施与维护指南

虚拟参考服务实施与维护指南是美国图书馆协会（ALA）参考与用户服务分会（RUSA）于2004年6月发布,指南包括5个部分：虚拟参考咨询服务的定义、服务的准备工作、对所提供服务的具体规定、服务的组织、用户的个人隐私的保护。     

微博客在图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务中的应用研究

论文分析常见的虚拟参考咨询服务模式及其局限性,阐述微博客的应用特征;介绍微博客在图书馆信息发布、实时咨询、联合管理、内部交流、用户培训等方面的应用;最后指出微博客在图书馆虚拟参考咨询服务应用中需要注意的问题,以便提高图书馆虚拟参考咨询的服务质量。     

Virtual Reference Services

Summary

Traditional reference services are changing in response to the rapid growth of electronic resources available outside of the library. There are an increasing number of libraries that are providing digital reference services to meet the demands and expectations of remote users. This article provides an overview of virtual reference services at Louisiana State University (LSU) Libraries. It also examines the planning, implementation, marketing and user feedback of real time reference service after its first year.     

Budget Planning and Performance Measures for Virtual Reference Services

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.     

Evaluating Electronic Reference Services

Summary

As electronic reference services become routine in many libraries, it is time to systematically examine how they are being implemented and used. Unfortunately, few libraries have rigorously examined their electronic reference services. We still know very little about who uses electronic reference services or why. We also do not know how satisfied our users are with the new services we are providing. This article provides an overview of the chief methodologies available for conducting assessments of electronic services (e.g., surveys, usability studies, observation, etc.). Existing criteria for evaluating reference services are discussed with suggestions for how they can be applied or adapted to the online service environment.     

虚拟参考咨询用户隐私问题特点分析与策略研究

本文分析了图书馆虚拟参考咨询用户隐私问题更加具有隐蔽性、不同类型服务涉及用户隐私信息不同、依赖于所采用软件的功能设计、不同隐私文化传统的国家关注度不同以及与个性化信息服务产生矛盾等五大特点,在此基础上,从法律法规、政策标准、行业自律、技术保护和用户教育五个方面,探讨了保护我国图书馆虚拟参考咨询用户隐私的相应策略。     

Virtual Reference Services

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.     

IM——实时虚拟参考咨询方式的再选择

深入分析图书馆利用IM提供实时虚拟参考咨询服务的趋势，比较采用即时通讯工具与图书馆专门虚拟咨询系统开展实时咨询的特点和优劣势，并提出相关观点。     

虚拟参考咨询服务效率分析

虚拟参考咨询服务目前存在着投入成本高昂、效益低的问题。提高虚拟参考咨询的效率就要“软实力”与“硬实力”兼顾,即做到降低成本,质量规范化,同时要重视服务效益。参考文献7。     

分布式联合虚拟参考咨询系统及其调度机制

资源主导型数字图书馆、系统主导型数字图书馆及服务主导型数字图书馆概括了数字图书馆发展过程，服务主导型数字图书馆应由三种资源、两种服务平台、一个门户这三部分组成。作为两个服务平台之一的虚拟参考咨询系统是服务主导型数字图书馆建设中的重要组成部分。本文介绍了一个分布式联合虚拟参考咨询系统，并详细论述了不仅可处理实时咨询、而且还可处理异步咨询的调度机制。     

虚拟参考咨询服务质量控制的实践性探讨

文章结合联合参考咨询网的质量控制系统，对虚拟参考咨询工作中如何对咨询回复进行质量控制进行了实践性的探讨。     

Virtual Reference

Abstract

Explores virtual reference as a new career opportunity for librarians. Asks if this is a good, long career path, or if it will careen virtual reference librarians off into the slough of despond. The skills needed for the traditional reference librarian are compared to those needed by the virtual reference librarian; the challenges and advantages of working virtual versus traditional reference are identified; the types of questions and resources used in providing virtual reference service are discussed; and the types of interaction with the patrons are explored. The skills needed to manage and evaluate virtual reference services are also articulated.     

Student-Staffed Virtual Reference Services: How to Meet the Training Challenge

Student workers are a well-established component of academic library operations. Recently, their traditional role has expanded to include responsibilities that were previously assigned to librarians, including in-person and virtual reference support. This trend has raised concerns about service quality and highlighted the importance of adequate training and evaluation for student employees. This case study outlines the training and assessment program for student employees working on Ask a Librarian, an academic consortial chat reference service in Ontario, Canada. Evaluations indicate that student assistants are less formal in their communication style, do not consistently perform a thorough reference interview, and deviate from some Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) best practices. However, students are consistently rated very highly by users in exit surveys. With a training program that addresses communication, in-depth reference interview techniques, and consistent follow-up and assessment, students are a viable option for staffing chat and can meet high service quality standards for reference service.     

基于微博的图书馆虚拟咨询团队知识协同服务模式研究

文章探讨以虚拟咨询团队为主导构建微博社区,应用微博信息交流服务平台开展知识协同服务,提出基于微博的图书馆虚拟咨询团队知识协同服务模式,并对模式的流程和实施进行阐述,以期为网络环境下图书馆知识服务提供新的思路和方法。参考文献5。     

虚拟参考咨询服务的模式

虚拟参考咨询服务是现代图书馆参考咨询服务工作发展的必然趋势,文章分析了国内外虚拟参考咨询系统及合作虚拟参考咨询系统的服务模式。参考文献7。     

试析网络环境下信息资源配置的特点与基本策略

从时间与空间边界、信息产权变化、配置成本构成等方面分析网络环境下信息资源配置的特点,提出网络环境下信息资源配置的基本策略有集成配置、虚拟配置、特色化配置和多机制配置等。     

参考咨询服务在美国的发展轨迹

研究参考咨询服务在美国的发展轨迹。研究其起源、发展变化和数字参考服务兴起的历程，并探讨了当今参考咨询服务发展趋势。