Digital Reference

1
Digital Reference

• IS 530
• Spring 2006
• Dr. D. Bilal

2
Digital Reference

• Providing assistance to users remotely via live
  chat
• Live chat software
• LSSI, NetAgent, ChatSpace, 24/7, ConferenceRoom,
  OnDemand, LivePerson, LiveAssistance,
  QuestionPoint.

3
Issues

• Privacy
• Cost
• User mediation
• Staffing

4
Privacy Chat Software

• Privacy features are found at http//www.library.c
  mu.edu/People/neuhaus/software.html
• Visit this site and explore the features of
  various software
• What software would you consider for your future
  library/information center, and why?

5
Resources

• The Virtual Digital Reference
• http//www.vrd.org
• DIG_REF
• A listserv for digital reference. To subscribe
• Send an e-mail message to
• LISTSERV_at_LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
• In the first line of the message, type
• SUBSCRIBE DIG_REF Firstname Lastname

6
Resources

• VRD Center for Kids
• Kids can ask reference questions of information
  professionals, if registered.
• http//vrd.askvrd.org/index.asp?rid2863cat1475
• Ask ALocator (for submitting reference questions
  to experts. For adult users)
• http//www.vrd.org/locator/subject.shtml

7
Additional Information

• For additional readings, visit
• OCLC website
• http//www.oclc.org/community/topics/virtualrefere
  nce/basics/default.htm (standards, trends, basic
  information)
• Bernie Sloanes bibliogrpahy
• http//people.lis.uiuc.edu/b-sloan/digiref.html

8
Discussion

• What is the crucial difference in providing
  traditional user mediation vs. virtual user
  mediation?
• What do we gain?
• What do we lose?