Ref Type: Journal Article
Authors: Pulliam,Beatrice R., McMullen,Susan,
Title: RYT: Are you there? A consortium' s switch to IM Reference
Publication Full: College & Undergraduate Libraries
Year: 2006 Volume: 13 Issue: 4
Start Page: 55 Other Pages: 70
Descriptors: ELECTRONIC reference services (Libraries), INSTANT messaging, LIBRARY cooperation, REFERENCE services (Libraries), ACADEMIC libraries, COMPUTER software, PUBLIC services (Libraries), LIBRARIES, FREE computer software, electronic reference, library consortia, Virtual reference,
Abstract:
From pilot project to mainstream reference service, this article chronicles the HELIN consortium's history with commercial virtual reference (VR) software and details its decision to switch from a centralized service to individually supported instant messaging (IM) reference services across its institutions. The authors discuss the development and implementation of their virtual reference service with emphasis on assessing its success using both commercial VR software and freeware IM applications at its different member institutions. Lessons learned, the pros and cons of offering collaborative virtual reference, and the challenges of integrating emerging technologies into library services are addressed as librarians seek to develop best practices for offering reference service in an increasingly virtual world. [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; Pulliam, Beatrice R. 1; Email Address: hpulliam@providence.edu; McMullen, Susan 2; Email Address: snicmullen@rwu.edu; Affiliations: 1: Reference Librarian and Assistant Professor, Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College, 549 River Avenue, Providence, RI 02918 2: Associate Professor and Reference and Information Resources Librarian, Roger Williams University Libraries, Bristol, RI 02809 Source Info: 2006, Vol. 13 Issue 4, p55; Thesaurus Term: ELECTRONIC reference services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: INSTANT messaging; Thesaurus Term: LIBRARY cooperation; Thesaurus Term: REFERENCE services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: ACADEMIC libraries; Thesaurus Term: COMPUTER software; Thesaurus Term: PUBLIC services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: LIBRARIES; Subject Term: FREE computer software; Author-Supplied Keyword: academic libraries; Author-Supplied Keyword: electronic reference; Author-Supplied Keyword: instant messaging; Author-Supplied Keyword: library consortia; Author-Supplied Keyword: Virtual reference; Number of Pages: 16p; Illustrations: 2 charts. Document Type: Article
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Retrieved Date:January 1, 1970
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Publisher: Haworth Press
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Issn Isbn: 10691316