Full Record


Ref Type: Journal Article

Authors: Chan,Ben,

Title: 24-hour reference service

Publication Full: Library & Information Update

Year: 2005 Volume: 4 Issue: 6

Start Page: 24 Other Pages: 26

Descriptors: REFERENCE services (Libraries), PUBLIC services (Libraries), INFORMATION services, LIBRARIES, LIBRARIANS, DIGITAL libraries, GREAT Britain,

Abstract:

This article examines the growth of 24-hour reference services in Great Britain. The wealth and range of information available online is astounding, including such reference library staples. Reference libraries, therefore, must cater for the increasing number of users who prefer to access information outside the physical library's boundaries. Librarians also need to bridge the gap between the infrastructure access point and the desired destination. Virtual references services address these needs. The virtual library and virtual librarians provide complementary services to the physical library. The two services can be seen as an integrated hybrid library. Library members can gain access remotely to a virtual extension of the reference library by entering their library card numbers. Through remote access library members can now access information that otherwise would be available only on microfilm at a library authority's central reference library. In 1997, Project Earl, the British public libraries networking initiative, established enquiries by e-mail with the launch of the Ask-a-Librarian scheme. The service operates through the use of an enquiry form, through which anyone can pose a question at any time of the day.

Notes:

M3: Article; Chan, Ben 1; Affiliations: 1: Ministry of Defence Information Service Source Info: Jun2005, Vol. 4 Issue 6, p24; Thesaurus Term: REFERENCE services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: PUBLIC services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: INFORMATION services; Thesaurus Term: LIBRARIES; Thesaurus Term: LIBRARIANS; Thesaurus Term: DIGITAL libraries; Subject Term: GREAT Britain; Number of Pages: 3p; Illustrations: 4c. Document Type: Article

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Retrieved Date:January 1, 1970

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Issn Isbn: 14767171