Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age

Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age

Author: Eric Novotny

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-05-13

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 1135804354

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Effectively assess whether any library is making good use of the reference/user service resources available today Libraries need to develop standards by which they can assess their individual performances in a larger context, and Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age makes significant contributions to this ongoing discussion. The book addresses its subject matter via approaches ranging from case studies of individual libraries to general discussions of best practices. The contributors explore the impact of the Internet on the field of evaluation, focusing on electronic reference and instruction. They highlight current issues, present research results, and offer expert advice on how to assess online reference and instruction. All chapters are well referenced to facilitate further study, and many include tables, appendixes, checklists, and other helpful features that make difficult information easy to access and understand. The chapters that make up Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age are as rich and varied as the backgrounds of their authors. Experienced researchers provide the results of studies conducted to determine the nature and effectiveness of the online reference services offered by various libraries. Practitioners and administrators from different institutional settings (academic libraries, public libraries, consortiums, etc.) provide their perspectives on the issues facing librarians who need to assess the electronic services they provide. In this important new book: Andrew Briedenbagh shows how a chat service can be implemented and suggests which data should be collected for it Buff Hirko examines VET: the Virtual Evaluation Toolkit Ruth Vondracek shares the experiences of a university library as it entered a statewide e-reference consortium, and offers advice and issues to consider before entering such a partnership librarians from San Jose State University present a model for evaluating electronic reference services that can be used in public or academic libraries Kathleen Kern discusses holistic evaluation chat transcripts are addressed in several chapters, including Joseph Fennewald’s comparisons of question categories, Lesley Moyo’s analysis of the use of instruction in the virtual environment, and Caleb Tucker-Raymond’s proposed set of quality measures for chat reference Laurie Probst and Michael Pelikan report on the use of a Tell Us What You Think button to gather user feedback Kristi Nelson and Catherine L. Ross examine a research study that asked library school students to submit a reference question online and report on their experiences Melissa Gross, Charles McClure, and R. David Lankes suggest measures to determine the cost and benefits of a virtual reference service librarians from Utah State University describe the development of their online instructional module Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age is designed as essential reading for library administrators, public service librarians, and researchers. It provides general advice for practitioners as well as an examination of research results and methodological issues. We urge you to consider making it part of your professional or teaching collection today.


Book Synopsis Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age by : Eric Novotny

Download or read book Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age written by Eric Novotny and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-05-13 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Effectively assess whether any library is making good use of the reference/user service resources available today Libraries need to develop standards by which they can assess their individual performances in a larger context, and Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age makes significant contributions to this ongoing discussion. The book addresses its subject matter via approaches ranging from case studies of individual libraries to general discussions of best practices. The contributors explore the impact of the Internet on the field of evaluation, focusing on electronic reference and instruction. They highlight current issues, present research results, and offer expert advice on how to assess online reference and instruction. All chapters are well referenced to facilitate further study, and many include tables, appendixes, checklists, and other helpful features that make difficult information easy to access and understand. The chapters that make up Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age are as rich and varied as the backgrounds of their authors. Experienced researchers provide the results of studies conducted to determine the nature and effectiveness of the online reference services offered by various libraries. Practitioners and administrators from different institutional settings (academic libraries, public libraries, consortiums, etc.) provide their perspectives on the issues facing librarians who need to assess the electronic services they provide. In this important new book: Andrew Briedenbagh shows how a chat service can be implemented and suggests which data should be collected for it Buff Hirko examines VET: the Virtual Evaluation Toolkit Ruth Vondracek shares the experiences of a university library as it entered a statewide e-reference consortium, and offers advice and issues to consider before entering such a partnership librarians from San Jose State University present a model for evaluating electronic reference services that can be used in public or academic libraries Kathleen Kern discusses holistic evaluation chat transcripts are addressed in several chapters, including Joseph Fennewald’s comparisons of question categories, Lesley Moyo’s analysis of the use of instruction in the virtual environment, and Caleb Tucker-Raymond’s proposed set of quality measures for chat reference Laurie Probst and Michael Pelikan report on the use of a Tell Us What You Think button to gather user feedback Kristi Nelson and Catherine L. Ross examine a research study that asked library school students to submit a reference question online and report on their experiences Melissa Gross, Charles McClure, and R. David Lankes suggest measures to determine the cost and benefits of a virtual reference service librarians from Utah State University describe the development of their online instructional module Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age is designed as essential reading for library administrators, public service librarians, and researchers. It provides general advice for practitioners as well as an examination of research results and methodological issues. We urge you to consider making it part of your professional or teaching collection today.


Student Guide to Research in the Digital Age

Student Guide to Research in the Digital Age

Author: Leslie Stebbins

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2005-12-30

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 0897899377

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One of the most perplexing aspects of research today is what to do when there's too much information on a topic. What then of the librarian, charged with teaching new generations to appreciate the search for intellectual wheat, especially when the chaff has greater appeal? The key, suggests Leslie Stebbins, is to impress upon students the importance of good filtering instincts and careful management of search results. At the same time, it is equally essential to impress upon them the particular challenges and controversies that accompany research in a digital environment. Chapter one provides a step-by-step introduction to both research and critical evaluation that can be followed for any assignment. Chapters two through seven focus on specific types of information resources: when to use them, where to find them, and how to evaluate them. Chapter eight offers guidance on how to develop a note-taking system, cite sources, avoid plagiarism, and organize references. Students and librarians alike will benefit from Stebbin's suggestions, strategies and straightforward examples.


Book Synopsis Student Guide to Research in the Digital Age by : Leslie Stebbins

Download or read book Student Guide to Research in the Digital Age written by Leslie Stebbins and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2005-12-30 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most perplexing aspects of research today is what to do when there's too much information on a topic. What then of the librarian, charged with teaching new generations to appreciate the search for intellectual wheat, especially when the chaff has greater appeal? The key, suggests Leslie Stebbins, is to impress upon students the importance of good filtering instincts and careful management of search results. At the same time, it is equally essential to impress upon them the particular challenges and controversies that accompany research in a digital environment. Chapter one provides a step-by-step introduction to both research and critical evaluation that can be followed for any assignment. Chapters two through seven focus on specific types of information resources: when to use them, where to find them, and how to evaluate them. Chapter eight offers guidance on how to develop a note-taking system, cite sources, avoid plagiarism, and organize references. Students and librarians alike will benefit from Stebbin's suggestions, strategies and straightforward examples.


Evaluating Reference Services

Evaluating Reference Services

Author: Jo Bell Whitlatch

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2000-08

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9780838907870

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With this handy new guidebook, reference luminary Jo Bell Whitlatch outlines practical methods for evaluating and delivering excellent reference service to the technology-savvy library user of today.


Book Synopsis Evaluating Reference Services by : Jo Bell Whitlatch

Download or read book Evaluating Reference Services written by Jo Bell Whitlatch and published by American Library Association. This book was released on 2000-08 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With this handy new guidebook, reference luminary Jo Bell Whitlatch outlines practical methods for evaluating and delivering excellent reference service to the technology-savvy library user of today.


Reference and Information Services

Reference and Information Services

Author: Kay Ann Cassell

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 532

ISBN-13: 1555708595

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Search skills of today bear little resemblance to searches through print publications. Reference service has become much more complex than in the past, and is in a constant state of flux. Learning the skill sets of a worthy reference librarian can be challenging, unending, rewarding, and-- yes, fun.


Book Synopsis Reference and Information Services by : Kay Ann Cassell

Download or read book Reference and Information Services written by Kay Ann Cassell and published by American Library Association. This book was released on 2013 with total page 532 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Search skills of today bear little resemblance to searches through print publications. Reference service has become much more complex than in the past, and is in a constant state of flux. Learning the skill sets of a worthy reference librarian can be challenging, unending, rewarding, and-- yes, fun.


The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries

The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries

Author: Jia Liu

Publisher: Chandos Publishing

Published: 2007-07-14

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13:

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This book outlines and evaluates the digital reference services in libraries worldwide. The work is based on an international collaborative project between two groups from German and Chinese institutions, during which digital reference services provided by nearly 200 libraries all over the world were evaluated. The book also examines the reasons for the resulting differences; it also contains more generic proposals and perspectives on digital reference services. An international, evaluative approach is taken Includes unique information - which has never before being gathered and evaluated Includes a brief introduction to the basic knowledge and development in the field of digital reference service in the library


Book Synopsis The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries by : Jia Liu

Download or read book The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries written by Jia Liu and published by Chandos Publishing. This book was released on 2007-07-14 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book outlines and evaluates the digital reference services in libraries worldwide. The work is based on an international collaborative project between two groups from German and Chinese institutions, during which digital reference services provided by nearly 200 libraries all over the world were evaluated. The book also examines the reasons for the resulting differences; it also contains more generic proposals and perspectives on digital reference services. An international, evaluative approach is taken Includes unique information - which has never before being gathered and evaluated Includes a brief introduction to the basic knowledge and development in the field of digital reference service in the library


Digital versus Non-Digital Reference

Digital versus Non-Digital Reference

Author: Linda S Katz

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-05-13

Total Pages: 165

ISBN-13: 1136423249

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Compare and contrast library reference models and more consumer-oriented models! Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline analyzes the quality of commercial Ask A Librarian (AskA) and tutorial services and how they compare to traditional library services. Edited by Jessamyn West—proprietor of librarian.net and the “hippest ex-librarian on the Web” according to Wired magazine—the book looks at library models and more consumer-oriented models, examining a variety of services that range from Ask Jeeves® and Google Answers™ to your own reference desk and Web e-mail reference forms. Academic librarians and information specialists share their experiences—good and bad—in starting, assessing, or ending AskA services and in working with collaborative reference tools and outsourcing reference services, and discuss the highs and lows of dealing with individual online services. Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline chronicles the experiences and interactions of librarians with digital reference, including case studies, how-to guides, and philosophical essays. The book’s contributors discuss their concerns about using the Internet as not only a reference tool but as a reference medium that most libraries find inevitable to some degree. Topics include the political ramifications of offsite or outsourced reference, the truth behind the assertion that “it’s all available online,” cultural and/or language barriers to text-based reference services, and patrons’ experiences with reference tools, from a librarian’s perspective. Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline addresses: policy, staffing and technology for telephone reference services e-mail reference in public libraries the University of Michigan’s Internet Public Library archivists and remote users in the digital age success and failure with commercial AskA programs the history of Q and A NJ, New Jersey’s virtual reference service multilingual chat reference systems the ongoing debate over the value of digital reference the case for nonintrusive reference Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline is an invaluable resource for practitioners and academics on the appropriate assessment, technologies, and methods for successfully creating and operating human-mediated, Internet-based information services.


Book Synopsis Digital versus Non-Digital Reference by : Linda S Katz

Download or read book Digital versus Non-Digital Reference written by Linda S Katz and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-05-13 with total page 165 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Compare and contrast library reference models and more consumer-oriented models! Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline analyzes the quality of commercial Ask A Librarian (AskA) and tutorial services and how they compare to traditional library services. Edited by Jessamyn West—proprietor of librarian.net and the “hippest ex-librarian on the Web” according to Wired magazine—the book looks at library models and more consumer-oriented models, examining a variety of services that range from Ask Jeeves® and Google Answers™ to your own reference desk and Web e-mail reference forms. Academic librarians and information specialists share their experiences—good and bad—in starting, assessing, or ending AskA services and in working with collaborative reference tools and outsourcing reference services, and discuss the highs and lows of dealing with individual online services. Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline chronicles the experiences and interactions of librarians with digital reference, including case studies, how-to guides, and philosophical essays. The book’s contributors discuss their concerns about using the Internet as not only a reference tool but as a reference medium that most libraries find inevitable to some degree. Topics include the political ramifications of offsite or outsourced reference, the truth behind the assertion that “it’s all available online,” cultural and/or language barriers to text-based reference services, and patrons’ experiences with reference tools, from a librarian’s perspective. Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline addresses: policy, staffing and technology for telephone reference services e-mail reference in public libraries the University of Michigan’s Internet Public Library archivists and remote users in the digital age success and failure with commercial AskA programs the history of Q and A NJ, New Jersey’s virtual reference service multilingual chat reference systems the ongoing debate over the value of digital reference the case for nonintrusive reference Digital versus Non-Digital Reference: Ask A Librarian Online and Offline is an invaluable resource for practitioners and academics on the appropriate assessment, technologies, and methods for successfully creating and operating human-mediated, Internet-based information services.


Reference & User Services Quarterly

Reference & User Services Quarterly

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 906

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Reference & User Services Quarterly by :

Download or read book Reference & User Services Quarterly written by and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 906 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age

Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age

Author: Joseph Janes

Publisher:

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13:

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For many librarians, the meaning of the word -reference- is changing so rapidly that it is unsettling. Joe Janes, founder of the Internet Public Library, provides this perfect mix of provocative arguments and useful, hands-on advice. He addresses important questions including: what is the optimal mix of desk/phone/email/chat? What kind of resource for what kind of user? What software for what purpose? What values to hold on to and what habits to break? Loaded with salient considerations, pointers, and encouragement, this book will have at the library world talking on a subject we urgently need to address.


Book Synopsis Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age by : Joseph Janes

Download or read book Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age written by Joseph Janes and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For many librarians, the meaning of the word -reference- is changing so rapidly that it is unsettling. Joe Janes, founder of the Internet Public Library, provides this perfect mix of provocative arguments and useful, hands-on advice. He addresses important questions including: what is the optimal mix of desk/phone/email/chat? What kind of resource for what kind of user? What software for what purpose? What values to hold on to and what habits to break? Loaded with salient considerations, pointers, and encouragement, this book will have at the library world talking on a subject we urgently need to address.


The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries

The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries

Author: Jia Liu

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2007-06-30

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 178063112X

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This book outlines and evaluates the digital reference services in libraries worldwide. The work is based on an international collaborative project between two groups from German and Chinese institutions, during which digital reference services provided by nearly 200 libraries all over the world were evaluated. The book also examines the reasons for the resulting differences; it also contains more generic proposals and perspectives on digital reference services. An international, evaluative approach is taken Includes unique information - which has never before being gathered and evaluated Includes a brief introduction to the basic knowledge and development in the field of digital reference service in the library


Book Synopsis The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries by : Jia Liu

Download or read book The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries written by Jia Liu and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2007-06-30 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book outlines and evaluates the digital reference services in libraries worldwide. The work is based on an international collaborative project between two groups from German and Chinese institutions, during which digital reference services provided by nearly 200 libraries all over the world were evaluated. The book also examines the reasons for the resulting differences; it also contains more generic proposals and perspectives on digital reference services. An international, evaluative approach is taken Includes unique information - which has never before being gathered and evaluated Includes a brief introduction to the basic knowledge and development in the field of digital reference service in the library


Digital Reference Services

Digital Reference Services

Author: Linda S Katz

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-10-31

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 1317951654

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Extensive data on the theoretical and practical aspects of electronic reference services! Digital Reference Services provides an overview of electronic reference services and software, and explores the opportunities that real-time digital reference services can offer in a variety of library settings. Experts in the field convey numerous opinions and theory about the growth of this new approach to answering reference questions. This book teaches librarians new methods and techniques for offering technologically advanced reference services to the public. The first half of Digital Reference Services includes such topics as: real-time or “live online” reference services the historical development of digital reference services and the role of the reference librarian mediated online searches how to create a virtual-ready reference collection of elite reference Web sites—includes a list of the top sites available to the public how to start and operate a digital reference desk in your library The second half of Digital Reference Services covers examples of libraries—both large and small—which have used revolutionary ideas to bring electronic reference services to their patrons. These ideas include: utilizing ATM-like kiosks in remote locations from library buildings to connect with underserved populations implementing live, interactive web-based reference services—the challenges and benefits, cost, training, and workload requirements evaluating your real-time references services—investigating self-assessment and blind reviewing, incorporating your assessment into an existing evaluative program, and obtaining the administrative support essential for an accurate assessment creating a statewide virtual reference system—selecting software, developing policy, marketing, coordinating the project, and staffing and training online reference management for smaller libraries—because of the smaller staff, smaller budget, and smaller amount of patrons, is it a feasible addition to the library? much more! This well-referenced volume contains case examples, figures, useful Web sites, and case histories to show how the basic principles of digital reference services work. Librarians and students of information and library science will find Digital Reference Services a helpful resource to enhance their library and electronic reference expertise.


Book Synopsis Digital Reference Services by : Linda S Katz

Download or read book Digital Reference Services written by Linda S Katz and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-10-31 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extensive data on the theoretical and practical aspects of electronic reference services! Digital Reference Services provides an overview of electronic reference services and software, and explores the opportunities that real-time digital reference services can offer in a variety of library settings. Experts in the field convey numerous opinions and theory about the growth of this new approach to answering reference questions. This book teaches librarians new methods and techniques for offering technologically advanced reference services to the public. The first half of Digital Reference Services includes such topics as: real-time or “live online” reference services the historical development of digital reference services and the role of the reference librarian mediated online searches how to create a virtual-ready reference collection of elite reference Web sites—includes a list of the top sites available to the public how to start and operate a digital reference desk in your library The second half of Digital Reference Services covers examples of libraries—both large and small—which have used revolutionary ideas to bring electronic reference services to their patrons. These ideas include: utilizing ATM-like kiosks in remote locations from library buildings to connect with underserved populations implementing live, interactive web-based reference services—the challenges and benefits, cost, training, and workload requirements evaluating your real-time references services—investigating self-assessment and blind reviewing, incorporating your assessment into an existing evaluative program, and obtaining the administrative support essential for an accurate assessment creating a statewide virtual reference system—selecting software, developing policy, marketing, coordinating the project, and staffing and training online reference management for smaller libraries—because of the smaller staff, smaller budget, and smaller amount of patrons, is it a feasible addition to the library? much more! This well-referenced volume contains case examples, figures, useful Web sites, and case histories to show how the basic principles of digital reference services work. Librarians and students of information and library science will find Digital Reference Services a helpful resource to enhance their library and electronic reference expertise.