Chat reference : a guide to live virtual reference services

Author(s)

    • Ronan, Jana

Bibliographic Information

Chat reference : a guide to live virtual reference services

Jana Smith Ronan

Libraries Unlimited, 2003

  • : pbk

Available at  / 4 libraries

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Note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Functioning as a blueprint, this guide leads the reader through the many decisions and considerations involved in setting up a real-time reference service. Ronan introduces both basic and advanced real-time reference software, offers practical information about features, advantages, and disadvantages, and discusses human and organizational issues. How does one start a virtual reference service? What types of software are available? This comprehensive guide to live virtual services answers these and other questions. Intended as a blueprint, the book is designed to lead the reader through the many decisions and considerations involved in setting up a real-time reference service. Acclaimed expert Jana Smith Ronan introduces both basic and advanced real-time reference software, offers practical information about features, advantages, and disadvantages, and discusses human and organizational issues, such as staffing, training, and administration. Complete with five case studies from successful real-time reference services, this guide provides readers with a better understanding of real-time reference and an ability to make educated decisions on what's best for their library and their patrons.

Table of Contents

Preface Chapter 1: Introduction to Chat and Basic Real-Time Software Chapter 2: Advanced Real-Time Software Chapter 3: The Audience for Online Library Assistance in Real-Time Chapter 4: Selecting Real-Time Software for Your Users and Library Chapter 5: The Human Element Chapter 6: Training Chapter 7: Everyday administration of a Chat Reference service Chapter 8: Guidelines and Policies for Reference in Real-Time Chapter 9: The Reference Interview Online Chapter 10: Promoting Online Real-Time Reference Services

by "Nielsen BookData"

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