Want to sharpen your skills, learn more about chat reference, and keep up the literature?

Things to read, watch, and listen to

The Effects of Librarians’ Behavioral Performance on User Satisfaction in Chat Reference Services

Online

• A 2007 study that looks at effective behaviors of reference ibrarians during the chat reference interview, with emphasis on the effect of the adoption of behaviors recommended in the revised RUSA guidelines.

Stephanie J. Graves, Christina M. Desai (2006), "Instruction via chat reference: does co-browse help?", Reference Services Review, Vol.34, No. 3, 340-357.

• A study that looks at the feasibility of instruction within the chat medium and the ability of co-browsing to enhance learning.

"Chat Reference Libraries." LISWiki. Online.

• The most comprehensive list of libraries around the world doing chat reference.

"Online Reference." Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. Online.

• This wiki offers lists of libraries using instant messaging software, SMS software (phone texting), and web-based chat software for chat reference. It also offers links to notable web sites and blog posts.

Francoeur, Stephen. Digital Reference. Online.

• A blog maintained by Stephen Francoeur that is focussed on issues related to chat reference.

L-net. L-net Staff Information blog. Online.

• Although aimed at a readership of librarians who staff a chat reference cooperative in Oregon, the posts on this blog frequently hit on core issues in the provision of digital reference. Since L-net is also a QuestionPoint subscriber, their concerns are ones that we often share.

Radford, Marie.

• to come

Statewide Virtual Reference Project, Washington State Library. "Anytime, Anywhere Answers: Building Skills for Virtual Reference." Online.

• An online training manual developed for a statewide chat services in Washington.

Groups and events to participate in

Virtual Reference SIG

• Hosted by Metro, this special interest group meets 3-4 times a year to discuss a wide range of issues related to digital reference. Check out the VR SIG wiki for the latest information about upcoming meetings as well as info on past meetings.

Dig_Ref

• This mailing list covers all aspects of digital reference service. Subscription information can be found here.