Ref Type: Journal Article
Authors: Fernandez,Joe,
Title: Facing live reference
Publication Full: Online
Year: 2004 Volume: 28 Issue: 3
Start Page: 37 Other Pages: 40
Descriptors: REFERENCE services (Libraries), LIBRARIES — Automation, INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems, ONLINE databases, ONLINE chat groups, COMPUTER network resources,
Abstract:
This article addresses the popularity of live reference (LR). People have discovered the convenience of chatting online with a librarian for their information needs. Libraries are using LR as one form of reference service, in some cases collaboratively with other regional or national libraries. They are also able to show clients how to identify reliable online resources and suggest print and networked resources from the clients' nearest library. Librarians can then show clients how to research a topic using online resources. In these kinds of situations, librarians should offer some resources to get the client started, then refer them to networked databases and print resources at their nearest library. In contrast to face-to-face (FtF) communication, LR is fraught with a number of challenges. In this dyadic, synchronous, and task-oriented form of computer-mediated communication, theories and concepts from the field of pragmatics are taken to a completely new dimension. The concept of sender, message, medium, and receiver takes on new meanings. More and more people are discovering the advantages of using this form of library service for their information needs. LR may not be as rich as FtF communication but it is not without its excitement. LR is a challenging proposition for librarians to provide the best possible information service. It is a dynamic vehicle for a community of information seekers and information providers struggling in cyberspace to find a partnership to fill information gaps.
Notes:
M3: Article; Source Information: May/Jun2004, Vol. 28 Issue 3, p37; Subject Term: REFERENCE services (Libraries); Subject Term: LIBRARIES — Automation; Subject Term: INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems; Subject Term: ONLINE databases; Subject Term: ONLINE chat groups; Subject Term: COMPUTER network resources; Number of Pages: 4p; Document Type: Article; Full Text Word Count: 2351
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Retrieved Date:January 1, 1970
Editors: NULL
Book Title: NULL
Series Title: NULL
Publisher: Information Today Inc
Place Of Publication: NULL
Issn Isbn: 1465422
URL: [20]
Retrieved Date:[35]
Editors: [36]
Book Title: [37]
Series Title: [38]
Publisher: [39]
Place Of Publication: [40]
Issn Isbn: [41]