Whither the Reference Desk? 20th Century Values in a 21st Century Service Model

Column Editor's Notes

This column examines advances in public services internal and external to libraries. The focus is on how public services, such as instruction and education, programming, research consulting, and circulation evolve and impact users. The strength of the column is its broad, international focus and contributors are encouraged to explore issues and recent advances in public services relevant to their geographical region, as well as the larger, global audience. Interested contributors should contact the column editor at andrea.falcone@ucdenver.edu.     

我国标准物质资源信息共享与服务

在对我国标准物质资源发展与保存状况、用户需求进行详细分析的基础上,提出标准物质资源信息化建 设的整体方案;针对标准物质资源的自身特点,对资源描述规范化、信息加工标准化、信息实物同步化、共享服务网 络化、运行一体化、推广系统化的关键举措进行详细阐述;总结信息化建设的阶段性成果,介绍下一阶段的几项重点 工作。     

《明清进士题名碑录索引》校误八则

《明清进士题名碑录索引》是一部载录明清进士的索引工具书,收录完备,检索方便,但亦有错误之处。文章以现存的明代《登科录》及其它文献为依据,指出并校正了其中的八处舛误。     

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。     

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.     

“Sharing My Bias”: We're From the Government,and We're Here to Help

This article describes reference skills as a sharable resource, particularly in light of the development of e-government and the demands it places on public services staff in libraries.     

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.     

Distance Education and Virtual Reference

Abstract

Texas A&M University Libraries has been testing virtual reference services since February 2004, but during the fall semester 2005, the Libraries began implementing and actively promoting the services to various target groups. Distance education students were identified as a primary target group for virtual reference services, and as of the fall semester 2005, approximately 1,600 students were enrolled in 190 distance education classes. This paper presents the Libraries plan for promoting virtual reference services to distance education students and faculty and for evaluating the plan.