Ref Type: Journal Article
Authors: Lupien,Pascal,
Title: Virtual reference in the age of pop-up blockers, firewalls, and Service Pack 2
Publication Full: Online
Year: 2006 Volume: 30 Issue: 4
Start Page: 14 Other Pages: 19
Descriptors: ELECTRONIC reference services (Libraries), WINDOWS (Computer programs), BROWSERS (Computer programs), OPERATING systems (Computers), FIREWALLS (Computer security), COMPUTER network resources, REFERENCE services (Libraries),
Abstract:
This article discusses the factors that contribute to the low usage statistics of real-time virtual reference (VR). Various theories have been proposed as to why usage statistics are so low. Most focus on marketing and user behavior, however, there is a virtual minefield of technology obstacles when implementing virtual reference. Many VR programs run into trouble with users who are not using a personal computer with the Windows operating system. Furthermore, incompatible browsers and different operating systems have always plagued real-time VR, but the increasing use of pop-up blockers, firewalls, and security patches has compounded the problem.; This article discusses the factors that contribute to the low usage statistics of real-time virtual reference (VR). Various theories have been proposed as to why usage statistics are so low. Most focus on marketing and user behavior, however, there is a virtual minefield of technology obstacles when implementing virtual reference. Many VR programs run into trouble with users who are not using a personal computer with the Windows operating system. Furthermore, incompatible browsers and different operating systems have always plagued real-time VR, but the increasing use of pop-up blockers, firewalls, and security patches has compounded the problem.
Notes:
id: 174; M3: Article; Lupien, Pascal 1 Email Address: plupien@uoguelph.ca; Affiliations: 1: Aademic liaison librarian, University of Guelph; Source Information: Jul/Aug2006, Vol. 30 Issue 4, p14; Subject Term: ELECTRONIC reference services (Libraries); Subject Term: WINDOWS (Computer programs); Subject Term: BROWSERS (Computer programs); Subject Term: OPERATING systems (Computers); Subject Term: FIREWALLS (Computer security); Subject Term: COMPUTER network resources; Subject Term: REFERENCE services (Libraries); NAICS/Industry Codes: 519120 Libraries and Archives; Number of Pages: 5p; Document Type: Article; Full Text Word Count: 3479
Links: NULL
Extra Data: NULL
URL: NULL
Retrieved Date:January 1, 1970
Editors: NULL
Book Title: NULL
Series Title: NULL
Publisher: Information Today Inc
Place Of Publication: NULL
Issn Isbn: 1465422