Digital Reference
This resource examines the landscape of digital reference services, including live chat software such as LSSI and NetAgent. It discusses key issues like privacy, cost, and user mediation while providing links to various software features. Explore Virtual Digital Reference (VRD) tools, subscribe to relevant lists, and access educational initiatives like DREI. Additionally, consider the implications of digital reference in libraries and information centers, and participate in discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of offering digital reference services.
Digital Reference
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Presentation Transcript
Digital Reference IS 530 Fall 2006 Dr. D. Bilal
Digital Reference • Providing assistance to users remotely via live chat • Live chat software • LSSI, NetAgent, ChatSpace, 24/7, ConferenceRoom, OnDemand, LivePerson, LiveAssistance, QuestionPoint.
Issues • Privacy • Cost • User mediation • Staffing
Privacy & Chat Software • Privacy features are found at http://www.library.cmu.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?
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@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU In the first line of the message, type: SUBSCRIBE DIG_REF Firstname Lastname
Asking Questions • VRD ASK A Service • Kids can ask reference questions using this service: http://vrd.askvrd.org • Ask A+Locator by subject and for adults. Found at http://www.vrd.org/locator/subject.shtml
Resources • For resources and readings, visit: • Digital Reference Education Initiative (DREI) • http://drei.syr.edu/item_list.cfm?NavID=21 • OCLC website has good resources, but up to 2003. • http://www.oclc.org/community/topics/virtualreference/basics/default.htm (standards, trends, basic information) • Bernie Sloane’s bibliography covers up to 2004. • http://people.lis.uiuc.edu/~b-sloan/digiref.html • http://people.lis.uiuc.edu/~b-sloan/interview.htm (reference interview in digital environment)
Digital Reference Transcripts and Privacy • We will examine different transcripts by using this site: • http://drei.syr.edu/item_list.cfm?NavID=22 • Privacy statement to archive digital reference transactions • http://drei.syr.edu/privacy.cfm
CLASS Discussion • What are your thoughts about digital reference (DR)? • What do we gain by providing DR? • What do we lose by providing DR?