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.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Designed as a guide for individuals thinking about setting up virtual reference services, this book offers much practical advice and information. The first few chapters introduce readers to online chat and real-time software, ways to gauge whether an audience exists for such services, and a framework to use to select the right software to get started. Subsequent chapters focus on human and organizational issues: staffing, training, everyday administration routines and duties, guidelines and policies, reference interviewing online, and promoting virtual reference services. Case studies comprise the final five chapters, each profiling successful real-time reference services at academic libraries. The case studies are enlightening and greatly beneficial, providing readers with different approaches to consider and concrete examples to follow. One disappointment is that only academic libraries are featured. This shortcoming aside, the book is distinguishable by its readability, clarity, and usefulness. Highly recommended for all libraries, especially academic ones. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
“If you are planning to begin live virtual reference services from scratch, this book is a good starting point.”–Library Journal
“Designed as a guide for individuals thinking about setting up virtual reference services, this book offers much practical advice and information....the book is distinguishable by its readability, clarity, and usefulness. Highly recommended for all libraries, especially academic ones.”–Booklist/Professional Reading
“Designed as a guide for individuals thinking about setting up virtual reference services, this book offers much practical advice and information....the book is distinguishable by its readability, clarity, and usefulness. Highly recommended for all libraries, especially academic ones.”–
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