Ref Type: Journal Article
Authors: Bishop,Bradley Wade, Torrence,Matt,
Title: Virtual reference services: consortium versus stand-alone
Publication Full: College & Undergraduate Libraries
Year: 2007 Volume: 13 Issue: 4
Start Page: 117 Other Pages: 127
Descriptors: ELECTRONIC reference services (Libraries), REFERENCE services (Libraries), ONLINE chat groups, OPERATING costs, ACADEMIC libraries, PUBLIC services (Libraries), LIBRARIES, FLORIDA, chat consortium, Chat reference, virtual chat reference,
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, re- quires 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of College & Undergraduate Libraries is the property of Haworth Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder’s express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Notes:
M3: Article; Bishop, Bradley Wade 1; Email Address: bbishop@lib.usf.edu; Torrence, Matt 2; Email Address: torrence@lib.usf.edu; Affiliations: 1: Graduate Assistant, University of South Florida Tampa Library, Tampa, FL 33620 2: Assistant Librarian, University of South Florida Tampa Library, Tampa, FL 33620 Source Info: 2006, Vol. 13 Issue 4, p117; Thesaurus Term: ELECTRONIC reference services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: REFERENCE services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: ONLINE chat groups; Thesaurus Term: OPERATING costs; Thesaurus Term: ACADEMIC libraries; Thesaurus Term: PUBLIC services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: LIBRARIES; Subject Term: FLORIDA; Author-Supplied Keyword: chat consortium; Author-Supplied Keyword: Chat reference; Author-Supplied Keyword: operating costs; Author-Supplied Keyword: virtual chat reference; Number of Pages: 11p; Illustrations: 2 charts. Document Type: Article
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Publisher: Haworth Press
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Issn Isbn: 10691316
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Issn Isbn: [41]