Publisher 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.

Author Biography

JANA SMITH RONAN is Interactive Reference Coordinator for the George A. Smathers Libraries of the University of Florida, Gainesville.

Table of Contents

PrefaceChapter 1: Introduction to Chat and Basic Real-Time SoftwareChapter 2: Advanced Real-Time SoftwareChapter 3: The Audience for Online Library Assistance in Real-TimeChapter 4: Selecting Real-Time Software for Your Users and LibraryChapter 5: The Human ElementChapter 6: TrainingChapter 7: Everyday administration of a Chat Reference serviceChapter 8: Guidelines and Policies for Reference in Real-TimeChapter 9: The Reference Interview OnlineChapter 10: Promoting Online Real-Time Reference Services

Review

?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
?If you are planning to begin live virtual reference services from scratch, this book is a good starting point.?-Library Journal
"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

Promotional

This guide will lead the reader through the many decisions and considerations involved in setting up a real-time reference service.

Long 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.

Review Quote

"If you are planning to begin live virtual reference services from scratch, this book is a good starting point."- Library Journal

Promotional "Headline"

This guide will lead the reader through the many decisions and considerations involved in setting up a real-time reference service.

Details