MOOving Towards a Virtual Reference Service

Using the Internet and a software development program called LambdaMOO, it is possible to create a text-based and real-lime virtual reality for multiple users. In such a virtual reality, many simultaneous users can logon and communicate with each other, interact with programmed objects, and move around a virtual landscape (generically called a MOO). While, in the past, these kinds of virtual realities have been dominated by dungeons and dragons, some MOOS are now attempting to model more serious work communities for their users. As a result, virtual libraries, in various stages of development, already exist and continue to grow. Accessible through the Internet, these virtual libraries offer the reference librarian an early glimpse at the future of Internet reference services. This article tours the reader through a MOO, examines three virtual libraries, and explains the use of a dictionary. MOO objects, applications, and potential in the virtual library are discussed along with sample logs and explanations for visiting MOO libraries independently.     

Virtually the Same: Comparing the Effectiveness of Online Versus In-Person Library Tours

ABSTRACT

The use of virtual or Web-based tours is on the rise in academic libraries, but with the loss of face-to-face contact and direct experience with the library's physical spaces, questions abound about this format's efficacy. Do online tour experiences measure up to those of a guided, face-to-face tour? Do online tours help mold students' perceptions of the library, while imparting important practical knowledge about the library's resources and services? Librarians at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently confronted these questions, as they added an option for an online library tour to a large library tour program for freshman that had previously been offered strictly through guided, librarian-led tours. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study comparing the efficacy of learning and affective outcomes between face-to-face library tours and online library tours at Kent State University.     

Library virtual tours: A case study

Virtual tours delivered via the Web have become a common tool for both instruction and outreach. This article is a case study of the creation of a virtual tour for a university library and is intended to provide others interested in creating a virtual tour of their library the opportunity to learn from the mistakes and successes of fellow librarians. Virtual tours can enhance a library's Web presence as well as provide much needed information to remote or prospective users.     

Planning the Virtual Library

The merger of libraries, computer technology, and telecommunications is transforming the access and distribution of information. Librarians should be in the process of visualizing their future and planning the evolution of their libraries into virtual libraries. Virtual libraries should retain all the great characteristics of a good library while maximizing the use of the new technology. This article will outline key steps in planning a virtual library.     

Anytime,Anywhere Answers培训项目评析

从概况、培训内容、培训形式等方面对美国华盛顿州的虚拟参考咨询培训项目Anytime，Anywhere Answers进行介绍。     

高校图书馆虚拟参考服务的现状与发展

虚拟参考服务是图书馆参考咨询工作的发展趋势。文章通过对我国“211工程”高校图书馆的调研,分析了当前高校图书馆虚拟参考服务的现状和存在的问题,提出了发展高校图书馆虚拟参考服务的几点建议。     

Comparison between user affinity with digital libraries and virtual communities

There is ongoing discussion about the value and reliability of information produced by experts and organized by digital libraries in universities versus information produced by the crowd in virtual communities. This study compares users' perceptions of digital libraries and virtual communities in terms of affinity. In this study, affinity with digital libraries or virtual communities is defined as the degree of importance that users place on digital libraries or virtual communities. Data collected from 334 users of digital libraries and virtual communities were used for data analysis. The statistical method of 'compare means' is employed. We find the mean of affinity with digital libraries is significantly larger than that of virtual communities, suggesting users are likely to perceive higher levels of affinity with digital libraries than with virtual communities. More analysis oriented to different groups is also conducted. The findings and their implications are discussed.     

Talking Deeper about Cultural Difference: A Digital Interactive from Melbourne

The Talking Difference Portable Studio from the Immigration Museum in Melbourne, Australia provides a unique example of an installation that facilitates intercultural dialogue beyond the walls of the museum. The Studio is a custom‐designed digital interactive that tours public libraries, schools, and community centers, encouraging participants to engage with one another's ideas about racism and cultural diversity by creating and responding to video questions. This essay applies a theoretical framework informed by dialogic theory and contemporary intercultural and museum studies to examine digital content produced in the Studio. The analysis indicates that there is a high degree of thematic consistency in content produced across a diverse range of touring locations. While responses vary in the extent to which they demonstrate critical engagement, the project affords participants a sense of ownership over their representations, and their responses generally support a broadly conceived openness to cultural difference. On this basis, the project furthers a promising form of intercultural dialogue.     

�����ֻ������绯��ͼ������⻯����

从信息技术视角出发,通过对信息处理的数字化、网络化等方面的观察,阐述虚拟图书馆的形成过程,并探讨电子、数字、虚拟及全球图书馆概念和相互关系     

云计算环境下数字图书馆推广工程建设研究

云计算是一种新型的分布式计算模式,通过网络把IT资源、数据、应用作为服务提供给用户。数字图书馆推广工程可以应用云计算的虚拟技术和海量数据储存,构建覆盖全国的数字图书馆虚拟网、分级分布式资源库群和数字图书馆服务平台,来提升数字图书馆的信息服务能力。文章还对数字图书馆推广工程应用云计算提出几点建议。     

InfoEyes Information Service: A Virtual Reference Service for Print-Impaired Individuals

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.     

It’s a Win–Win–Win: Using Human Peer to Peer Networks to Reach Learners Where They Are

In the Spring 2017 semester, an instructional designer, a writing center coordinator, and a director of distance library services initiated a pilot project for a seven-campus, eight-satellite center, public university system to cross-train virtual writing tutors in baseline research skills. This case study describes the collaborative pilot program’s progress, challenges, and lessons learned and grounds the process in peer learning theory, exploring its growing acceptance in academic libraries.     

Law Library Tours in an Information Age

Summary

The virtual library poses challenges for law librarians in developing effective library orientation programs. Survey results from law librarians in academia and in law firms reveal how basic library orientation is conducted in light of the proliferation of electronic resources. The types of additional instruction being required, such as training in computer-assisted legal research and web searching, are examined along with the perceived effectiveness of the initial library tours.     

The Role of Cooperation in Creating a Library Online Tutorial

SUMMARY

Reference librarians at St. Charles Community College discovered the benefits of cooperation when they began the process of creating an online library tutorial. In the fall of 1999, librarians realized that their walk-in library sessions were becoming ineffective due to poor attendance by students. The tours didn't fit into on-campus students' busy schedules, and failed to serve distance students at all. Two reference librarians decided to work together to create a web-based tutorial introducing students to library online resources. It was an informal process that started with information gathering on what tutorials exist, how they were developed and what type of software was used. After the librarians decided on the format and appropriate software, they brought together their creative and technical strengths to design an appealing and functional tutorial. To create a “virtual tour” of the library's physical layout, the librarians also collaborated with the Instructional Support Center, a group of educational technology specialists who are part of SCC's community college consortium. The tutorial was completed in only a year, partly because working in a small library allows for constant contact between the librarians, but also due to the efficiency of using cooperation. This successful collaborative project eventually won the Missouri Community College Association's 2001 Technology Innovation Award.     

数字时代图书馆的发展方向及评估标准

数字时代,图书馆正在经历巨大的转变--由“图书资料储存库”变成“信息资源的通道”;由仅仅提供馆内服务发展到提供及时、广泛的虚拟状态下的信息服务。随着运作环境的改变,图书馆的综合实力,包括信息的获取能力及信息技术的运用将会变得格外重要。在这一前提下,笔者提出一个图书馆评估的新体系,包括以下6个方面的评估标准:①馆藏资源的数量和质量;②网络及数字化程度;③多元化的信息管理和服务;④全球范围内信息资源的获取和利用;⑤提供远距离学习和教育之环境;⑥馆员素质。     

Connected Learning in the Public Library: An Evaluative Framework for Developing Virtual Learning Spaces for Youth

This article presents an evaluative framework to aid public libraries in achieving a mission of providing informal learning opportunities through virtual spaces. Existing literature on assessments and evaluation is used to build the basic framework; the experiences of 21st Century Learning Labs in Libraries and Museum grant recipients are used to develop evaluative tools and examples for library practitioners to use in planning their own virtual spaces. This article serves as the first evaluative approach to the development of informal virtual learning spaces in public libraries.     

当前我国民族地区图书馆面临的机遇与挑战

分析了我国民族地区图书馆的现状及特点，通过我国加入WTO，实施“全国文化信息资源共享工程”和“百县千乡宣传文化工程”，以及数字化，网络化，虚拟化图书馆的建设，提出了我国民族地区图书馆正面临着跨越式发展的良好机遇；同时，阐述了我国民族地区图书馆正面临着严峻的挑战。     

Best Practices from World Libraries Photo Gallery Project: Engaging Global Libraries

Abstract

This article reports on the “2019 Best Practices from World Libraries” Photo Gallery Project initiated by the International Connections Committee (ICC) of the International Relations Round Table (IRRT) at the American Library Association (ALA). The project was inspired by a 2018 ALA-IRRT Emerging Leader’s project, Toward Increasing Engagement of International New Professional Leaders in ALA Activities, which followed a survey study developed to explore IRRT’s ability to engage its international members. The article shares the project planning process and the key actions taken to build a virtual and physical gallery for the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC, as well as highlights example programs from the project which demonstrate how libraries around the world are building stronger communities. Finally, the authors consider how the project may be improved upon and further developed in the future.