DIGITAL REFERENCE Delivering remote services Definition RUSA Virtual

DIGITAL REFERENCE Delivering remote services

Definition (RUSA) Virtual reference is reference service initiated electronically, often in real-time, where patrons employ computers or other Internet technology to communicate with reference staff, without being physically present. Communication channels used frequently in virtual reference include chat, videoconferencing, Voice over IP, co-browsing, e-mail, and instant messaging.

Definition (RUSA) While online sources are often utilized in provision of virtual reference, use of electronic sources in seeking answers is not of itself virtual reference. Virtual reference queries are sometimes followed-up with telephone, fax, in-person and regular mail interactions, even though these modes of communication are not considered virtual.

Digital Reference… Same old reference, different format/method of delivery.

Digital Reference Expands service to remote users Those with physical disabilities and mobility issues Hearing impaired Rural patrons May overcome other barriers to approaching physical/traditional reference desk

Digital Reference Planning for service

Patrons/ Clientele Clearly define the clientele Address issues of patron authentication, if required. Any exclusions should be uniformly enforced Market to targeted groups

Parameters of Service Should be extension of traditional reference Same quality goals Clearly define levels of service, including: Types of questions service will (or will not) answer. How to respond to queries outside of the parameters of service. Is document delivery included? Is it free? Patron population served.

Infrastructure Equipment, facilities, and technology must be updated, plan for evolution Considerations must be made for patron infrastructure/equipment access, including patrons with disabilities.

Spectrum of Service Models asynchronous email synchronous Instant message Commercial chat Page-pushing Co-browsing Voice over IP Web conferencing

Instant Message Advantages Patron familiarity Low/ no cost Little/ no special technology Disadvantages Management intensive Queuing Stats Typing (no scripting, no page-pushing or cobrowsing= more typing) Many different applications- Meebo solves some of this

Commercial Chat Advantages Page-pushing/ Cobrowsing Application sharing Scripting Transcripts Stats Question routing Disadvantages More tech intensive Plug-ins More platform dependence Server space/ tech support Expensive Lower patron familiarity

Some Tools Embedded IM Libraryh 3 lp Multiple logins Saves transcripts Facilitates transfers Meebo, etc. Crosses platforms Allows for embedding

Implementation Staffing, Training, & Customer Service

Staffing Models On-site or Off-site Hours of operation Regular, predictable schedule Single or Double duty Prioritizing if double duty Scheduling if single duty Collaborative/ Consortium Staffing More common in public libraries Issues of geo-local questions

Training General technology- software/products Resources Customer service and quality expectations

Challenges and Obstacles In Digital Reference

Challenges Time to answer Lack of nonverbal cues Online behaviors Incorporating instruction

Behavioral Issues in Virtual Reference Librarians Effective reference interview Adherence to RUSA guidelines Bias or discrimination during interactions Response times Length of answers Forms of address and closure Users Inappropriate questions/ remarks Threats Impatience Inappropriate requests- homework, copyrighted or subscription protected materials.

Librarian Guidelines Set levels of expectation for behavioral interactions and quality Web communication conventions Importance of greetings and closings Maintaining “word contact” throughout interaction to avoid “dropped” patrons Acronyms (BTW, IMHO) Emoticons ; 0) Time parameters Order of answering calls Turnaround time on emails “Callbacks” or email follow-up for in-depth questions

Behavior in Virtual Reference User guidelines (i. e. Texas State) Be patient. Network traffic may affect response time. A reference librarian will respond to your question as soon as possible. If your question is urgent, you may send your response by email. Communicate in short sentences. Reference questions will be answered in the order they are received. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Common courtesies are expected and appreciated. A survey will be available at the end of each chat session for users for feedback and comments about the service. http: //www. library. txstate. edu/about/departments/ref/policies/vrpolicy. html

Instruction A substantial amount of instruction takes place Incorporate guidance on finding and evaluating information, not just providing answers Advantage is single contact, point-of-need assistance Can reduce time by incorporating video, images, and web annotation rather than just text

Privacy and Confidentiality Include privacy disclaimers Develop retention schedules for transcripts & make publicly available Patrons should be alerted if transcripts are saved Remove identifying information If questions are used for databases & FAQs, make sure no privacy/confidentiality is violated Alert patrons that question content may be sued in this way. Allow for patron feedback

Connectivity Access, Outreach, & the Digital Divide

Pew Research Report (2008) Overall connectivity (at home) 55% of American adults have broadband 17% growth in adoption over 1 year 10% have dial-up access 27% are not internet users (mostly over 60) Breakdown 25% of low income (>$20, 000/yr) 43% of African Americans Flat growth rate for both above groups 38% of rural Americans (compared to 57% urban)

Pew Research Report (2008) Levels of service 54% have basic broadband 29% have premium One in ten non-broadband users say services aren’t available where they live http: //www. pewinternet. org/~/media/Files/Reports /2008/PIP_Broadband_2008. pdf

References • Breitbach, William and De. Mars, J. Michael(2009) 'Enhancing Virtual Reference: Techniques and Technologies to Engage Users and Enrich Interaction', Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 14: 3, 82 — 91 Gronemyer, Kate; Deitering, Anne-Marie. ‘I Don’t Think It’s Harder, Just Different. ’ Reference Services Review, 2009, Vol. 37 Issue 4, p 421 -434, Pew Research Report. (2008) Broadband. http: //www. pewinternet. org/~/media/Files/Reports/2 008/PIP_Broadband_2008. pdf

References • Texas State Virtual Reference Policies http: //www. library. txstate. edu/about/departments/ref/policies/vrpolic y. html IFLA Digital Reference Guidelines http: //archive. ifla. org/VII/s 36/pubs/drg 03. htm RUSA Guidelines http: //www. ala. org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/resourc es/guidelines/virtrefguidelines. cfm