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Digital reference is a service by which library reference service is conducted online, and the reference transaction is a computer-mediated communication. Julio Pérez Ferrero Library - Cúcuta, Colombia A modern-style library in Chambéry A library is a collection of information resources and services, organized for use, and maintained by a public body, institution, or private individual. ...
Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is any form of communication between two or more individuals who interact and/or influence each other via computer-supported media. ...
The word "reference" in this context refers to the task of providing assistance to library users in finding information, answering questions, and otherwise fulfilling users’ information needs. Reference work often but not always involves using reference works, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. This form of reference work expands reference services from the physical reference desk to a "virtual" reference desk where the patron could be writing from home, work or a variety of other locations. In general, a reference is something that refers to or designates something else, or acts as a connection or a link between two things. ...
Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...
History
The earliest digital reference services were launched in the mid-1980s, primarily by academic and medical libraries, and provided by email. These early-adopter libraries launched digital reference services for two main reasons: to extend the hours that questions could be submitted to the reference desk, and to explore the potential of campus-wide networks, which at that time was a new ==technology. Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...
With the advent of the graphical world wide web, libraries quickly adopted webforms for question submission. Since then, the percentage of questions submitted to services via webforms has outstripped the percentage submitted via email. WWWs historical logo designed by Robert Cailliau The World Wide Web (or the Web) is a system of interlinked, hypertext documents that runs over the Internet. ...
In the early- to mid-1990s, digital reference services began to appear that were not affiliated with any library. These digital reference services are often referred to as “AskA” services. Some examples of AskA services include: The Internet Public Library, Ask Dr. Math, and Ask Joan of Art.
Forms of Digital Reference
Email
Webforms Webforms are created for digital reference services in order to help the patron be more productive in asking their question. This document helps the librarian locate exactly what the patron is asking for. Creation of webforms requires design consideration. Because webforms substitute for the reference interview receiving as much information as possible from the patron is a key function.
Aspects commonly found within webforms:
- A return email address to send the answer to the question
- The question being asked
- What sources have been consulted by the patron
- How the patron is planning to use the information
- Location of the patron (are they a library patron?)
- A name to personalize the interaction
- A date by which the information is needed
- The type of sources being requested (print or electronic) [1]
Chat using commercial applications Several applications exist for providing chat-based reference. Some of these applications are: Virtual Reference Toolkit, 24/7 Reference, QuestionPoint, Tutor.com, AspiringKidz.comVienova.com and VRLplus. These applications bear a resemblance to commercial help desk applications. These applications possess functionality such as: instant messaging, co-browsing, webpage- and document-pushing, customization of pre-scripted messages, storage of chat transcripts, and statistical reporting. A screenshot of PowWow, one of the first instant messengers with a graphical user interface An instant messenger is a client which allows instant text communication between two or more people through a network such as the Internet. ...
Chat using instant messaging Instant messaging (IM) services are used by some libraries as a low-cost means of offering chat-based reference, since most IM services are free. Utilizing IM for reference services allows a patron to contact the library from any location via the internet. This service is like the traditional reference interview because it is a live interaction between the patron and the librarian. On the other side the reference interview is different because the conversation does not float away but instead is in print on the screen for the librarian to review if needed to better understand the patron. IM reference services may not only be for patrons unable to actually go to the library but for in-house patrons as well. If library computers support IM chat programs patrons may IM from within the library to avoid losing their computer or avoid making embarrassing questions public. A screenshot of PowWow, one of the first instant messengers with a graphical user interface // Instant messaging or IM is a form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text. ...
Tips for successful IM reference services:
- Create a profile to convey information about the library and increase online presence.
- Accept imperfection in conversations without spending time to go back and make corrections. Most words are recognizable through context.
- Become familiar with and use accepted IM abbreviations such as LOL (Laugh Out Loud).
- Don't panic. While speed is important it is more important to not feel rushed. [2]
Consortia of Digital Reference Services
Software for Providing Digital Reference The article Live, Digital Reference Marketplace by Buff Hirko contains a comparison of the features of applications for chat-based reference.
Further reading
See also: Reference library A reference library does not lend books and other items; instead, they must be read at the library itself. ...
Public library Librarians and patrons in a typical larger urban public library. ...
Academic library This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Ask a Librarian Ask a Librarian is Floridas Statewide Collaborative Live Virtual reference Service. ...
References - ^ Janes, Joseph: "Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age.", pages 64-65. Neal-Schuman Publishers Inc., 2005.
- ^ Anderson, Rick: "IM Me.", Library Journal 130 (April 1, 2005): 34-35.
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