Ref Type: Journal Article
Authors: Porter,Susan,
Title: Chat: from the desk of a subject librarian
Publication Full: Reference Services Review
Year: 2003 Volume: 31 Issue: 1
Start Page: 57 Other Pages: 67
Descriptors: Academic libraries, Distance learning, Librarianship, Reference services, Students, Virtual libraries,
Abstract:
Off-campus students at La Trobe University are a growing group who do not always receive assistance through information literacy classes, or at their time of need. Previous efforts by the subject librarian to answer e-mail queries from off-campus nursing students have sometimes been less than satisfactory for both the student and the librarian, requiring that a telephone call be made in order to conduct a reference interview. A chat reference service was offered to off-campus nursing students as an alternative method of contacting the subject librarian or the library. There was a trial in March and April 2002 using LivePerson, and involving three health sciences librarians. The trial would determine: if chat increased the number of students who sought/received help; if a reference interview can be conducted properly during a chat; and the infrastructure required to continue a chat service, particularly whether using subject librarians removes the need to roster staff on the service.
Notes:
ID: 304
Links: NULL
Extra Data: NULL
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Retrieved Date:January 1, 1970
Editors: NULL
Book Title: NULL
Series Title: NULL
Publisher: NULL
Place Of Publication: NULL
Issn Isbn: 0090-7324