scholarly journals Learning from Chatting: How Our Virtual Reference Questions Are Giving Us Answers

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Rourke ◽  
Pascal Lupien
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The Relationship

Objective - This research compares two types of online reference services and attempts to determine whether the same sorts of questions are being asked; which questions are being asked most often; and whether patron and staff behaviour is consistent or different in the two types of online reference sessions. Patron satisfaction with the two types of online reference services is also examined. Methods - The researchers reviewed over 1400 online reference transcripts, including 744 from Docutek virtual reference (VR) transactions and 683 from MSN chat reference (IM) transactions. The questions were classified according to categories of reference questions based on recurring questions discovered during the review. Each transaction was also categorized as "informal" or "formal" based on patron language and behaviour, and general observations were made about the interactions between patrons and librarians. In addition, results from 223 user surveys were examined to determine patron satisfaction with online reference services and to determine which type of service patrons preferred. Results - The analysis suggests that patrons are using VR and IM services differently. In general, VR questions tend to be more research intensive and formal, while IM questions are less focused on academic research and informal. Library staff and patrons appear to alter their behaviour depending upon which online environment they are in. User surveys demonstrated that patrons are generally satisfied with either type of online reference assistance. Conclusion - Both types of online reference service are meeting the needs of patrons. They are being used for different purposes and in different ways, so it may be worthwhile for libraries to consider offering both VR and IM reference. The relationship building that appears to take place more naturally in IM interactions demonstrates the benefits of librarians being more approachable with patrons in order to provide a more meaningful service.

scholarly journals Adherence to RUSA’s Guidelines for Virtual Reference Services is Below Expected in Academic Libraries

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Annie M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Staff Member ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Chat Reference Services

Objective – To evaluate the quality of academic libraries’ virtual reference services and measure compliance to the Reference & User Services Association’s (RUSA’s) Guidelines for Virtual Reference & User Services. Design – Qualitative research study evaluating virtual reference chat sessions using RUSA’s Guidelines for Virtual Reference & User Services. Setting – Virtual reference environments in public academic libraries in the United States. Subjects – Twenty virtual reference providers from public academic libraries. Methods – Initially researchers selected 1 academic library out of each of the 50 states to evaluate for quality virtual chat reference services, however because of factors including time and availability of virtual chat services to unaffiliated institutions; the sample included only 20 academic libraries. After selecting the 20 academic libraries for evaluation, researchers posed as virtual chat reference patrons using emails and aliases that had no affiliation to any particular institution. Researchers then asked the librarian or library staff a two-part question making sure to leave out any library jargon or anything that would lead the virtual chat reference operator to recognize that they are also affiliated with a library or library school. Using the RUSA Guidelines for Virtual Reference & User Services, researchers then evaluated their virtual chat reference experience for the following: Approachability; Interest; Listening/Inquiring; Searching; Follow-Up; Suggests patron call or visit the library. Main Results – When evaluated for jargon-free websites and overall usability in finding all types of reference services, 80% of the library’s websites were easy to use and jargon free, reflecting overall high usability. Evaluation of library staff’s ability to maintain “word contact” by writing prompts to convey interest in the patron’s question left some room for improvement. Sixty percent of researchers coding their virtual reference experience thought the level of contact was below expected. Information regarding question and answering procedures, question scope, types of answers provided and expected turnaround time for questions was only available in 30% of examined websites. Thirty-five percent of researchers felt that library staff members gathered enough information to answer the question without compromising privacy, however, 25% thought that staff members gathered a very small amount of information on the patron’s need, although privacy never felt compromised. When researchers evaluated the library staff member on their ability to explain how to utilize resources properly, 50% thought the instruction provided was below average. Although 15% believed they received “superior instruction.” Seventy-five percent of the researchers were not asked by a library staff member if the question received an adequate answer, 50% of reference transactions library staff did not consult a librarian or expert, and in 55% of transactions the staff member did not suggest that the patron visit or call the library. Conclusion – While the researchers received some valuable information about the need to improve virtual reference services in academic libraries, there were some flaws in their research. The question they developed was almost too clear and made it difficult for the individual answering the chat reference to adequately perform a reference interview or ask probing questions. It is possible that because researchers carefully planned out their question they set themselves up to create an interaction that would not normally occur in a virtual chat reference environment. Also, because researchers were unable to evaluate what was occurring in the environment surrounding the virtual chat reference providers it was impossible to make a judgment on the speed or length of the interaction. The researchers did come away from the study with results that point to a need to utilize the RUSA guidelines in order to conduct effective reference interviews, maintain appropriate contact with the user when engaging in chat reference, provide instruction and point patrons to quality resources as well as consult an expert on the topic if needed. They surmised that if libraries utilized these guidelines, virtual chat reference services would be improved.

Referring academic library chat reference patrons: how subject librarians decide

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula R. Dempsey
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Doctoral Universities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to learn what factors liaison librarians in academic research libraries consider in determining whether to refer chat reference patrons to subject specialists. Design/methodology/approach Subject specialists were asked what policies guided their decisions to refer to a specialist and then assessed unreferred chat session transcripts both within and outside their specializations to determine need for a referral. Findings Few respondents were guided by formal policies. Contrary to an initial hypothesis, subject area was not a key factor in referring chat. A broader set of criteria included reference interviewing, provision of relevant resources and information literacy instruction. Respondents valued both the depth that subject specialists can provide to reference interactions and the ability of a skilled generalist to support information literacy. Research limitations/implications Findings are most applicable to large, public doctoral universities with liaison librarian programs. Assignment of respondents to subject specialist categories was complicated by their broad range of background and expertise. Practical implications The study contributes new understanding of referrals to subject specialists who have potential to guide development of formal referral policies in academic library virtual reference services. Originality/value The study is the first empirical examination of chat reference referral decisions.

scholarly journals Serving library users during a pandemic: the case of Karlstad University Library, Sweden

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
Jakob Harnesk ◽  
Marie-Louise Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Staff Training ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
University Library ◽  
Working From Home ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
High Level ◽  
Spread Of Infection

During March 2020, all Swedish universities moved their teaching to an online environment due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Karlstad University Library in Sweden made a number of changes in order to reduce the spread of infection while at the same time maintaining a high level of library services to its users. Opening hours were drastically reduced. All study spaces were closed. Most of the staff were working from home. A new virtual reference desk via Zoom was launched to increase the library office hours. Since things happened fast, the internal staff training was done while at the same time providing the new reference service to the users. Some initial mistakes were made but in general, this ‘learn-as-you-go method’ worked surprisingly well.

scholarly journals Collaborative Chat Reference Service Effectiveness Varies by Question Type for Public Library Patrons

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hall
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Question Type ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Research Questions

A review of: Kwon, Nahyun. "Public Library Patrons' Use of Collaborative Chat Reference Service: The Effectiveness of Question Answering by Question Type." Library & Information Science Research 29.1 (Mar. 2007): 70-91. Objective – To assess the effectiveness of a collaborative chat reference service in answering different types of question. Specifically, the study compares the degree of answer completion and the level of user satisfaction for simple factual questions vs. more in-depth subject-based reference questions, and for ‘local’ (pertaining to a particular library) and non-local questions. Design – Content analysis of 415 transcripts of reference transactions, which were also compared to corresponding user satisfaction survey results. Setting – An online collaborative reference service offered by a large public library system (33 branch and regional locations). This service is part of the Metropolitan Co-operative Library System: a virtual reference consortium of U.S. libraries (public, academic, special, and corporate) that provides 24/7 service. Subjects – Reference librarians from around the U.S. (49 different libraries), and users logging into the service via the public library system’s portal (primarily patrons of the 49 libraries). Method – Content analysis was used to evaluate virtual reference transcripts recorded between January and June, 2004. Reliability was enhanced through triangulation, with researchers comparing the content analysis of each transcript against the results of a voluntary exit survey. Of 1,387 transactions that occurred during the period of study, 420 users completed the survey and these formed the basis of the study, apart from 5 transactions that were omitted because the questions were incomprehensible. Questions were examined and assigned to five categories: “simple, factual questions; subject-based research questions; resource access questions; circulation-related questions; and local library information inquiries” (80-81). Answers were classed as either “completely answered, partially answered or unanswered, referred, and problematic endings” (82). Lastly, user satisfaction was surveyed on three measures: satisfaction with the answer, perceived staff quality, and willingness to return. In general, the methods used were clearly described and appeared reliable. Main results – Distribution of question types: By far the largest group of questions were circulation-related (48.9%), with subject-based research questions coming next (25.8%), then simple factual questions (9.6%), resource access questions (8.9%), and local library information inquiries (6.8%). Effectiveness of chat reference service by question type: No statistically significant difference was found between simple factual questions and subject-based research questions in terms of answer completeness and user satisfaction. However, a statistically significant difference was found when comparing ‘local’ (circulation and local library information questions) and ‘non-local’ (simple factual and subject-based research questions), with both satisfaction and answer completeness being lower for local questions. Conclusions – The suggestion that chat reference may not be as appropriate for in-depth, subject-based research questions as it is for simple factual questions is not supported by this research. In fact, the author notes that “subject-based research questions, when answered, were answered as completely as factual questions and found to be the question type that gives the greatest satisfaction to the patrons among all question types” (86). Lower satisfaction and answer completion were found among local vs. non-local queries. Additionally, there appeared to be some confusion among patrons about the nature of the collaborative service – they often assumed that the librarian answering their question was from their local library. The author suggests some form of triage to direct local questions to the appropriate venue from the outset, thus avoiding confusion and unnecessary referrals. The emergence of repetitive questions also signalled the need for the development of FAQs for chat reference staff and the incorporation of such questions into chat reference training.

Social Q&As or Library Virtual Reference Service: What is Behind the Choices of Chinese Information Seekers?

Libri ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengli Deng ◽  
Lina Yang ◽  
Yin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Service ◽  
User Evaluation ◽  
Specific Topic ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Questions And Answers ◽  
Reference Service

AbstractDespite the increasing popularity of Social Questions and Answers (SQA) sites among Chinese information seekers, there has been little previous exploration of this specific topic as it relates to library reference services. This study seeks an understanding of users’ choices in using SQA sites and library virtual reference (VR) service in meeting their information needs. It also aims to address some gaps in user evaluation and in the comparison of SQA and VR in previous research among information seekers in general, and among Chinese information seekers in particular. The study involved users of the largest Chinese SQA site, Baidu Knows. The results indicate that while SQA outperforms VR in most aspects - as evaluated by Chinese information seekers - VR stands out in two key areas of a virtual information service: quality and trust. Overall, while both SQA and VR have been utilized for various purposes and queries, each has been used more specifically for certain types of questions, and users choose between the two based on the information needs they have at hand. Finally, there is a discussion of the implications of the findings pertaining to libraries and reference services.

scholarly journals MEDIA KOMUNIKASI SEBAGAI AKSES LAYANAN REFERENSIVIRTUAL DI PERPUSTAKAAN UNIVERSITAS INDONESIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-36
Author(s):  
Lailatur Rahmi
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Communication Media ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The University

AbstractThe Reference Service is one of the library services designed to assist the users of the library in meeting their information needs. The development of reference services is, especially, important in the tertiary educational institutions. The growth of incredible information and technological developments decline the number of users of the printed reference collections ; there are pros and cons when it comes to the technology that, supposedly, make things easier and practical. The study aims to describe the usefulness of communication media in virtual reference services at the University of Indonesia Library. The results of the study illustrate that the University of Indonesia library has provided communication media as access to virtual reference services through various communication media due to the influence of the development of technological sophistication  

scholarly journals Do You Want to Chat? Reevaluating Organization of Virtual Reference Service at an Academic Library

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryvon Côté ◽  
Svetlana Kochkina ◽  
Tara Mawhinney
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Similar Evaluation

Since their inception, virtual reference services have evolved considerably and are now a significant component of library services in many types of library environments. The current paper reports on a study undertaken at a research-intensive academic library that analyzed and evaluated a decade-old virtual reference service. The main goal of the study was to obtain a broad and comprehensive picture of the current service, grounded in the actual day-to-day provision, usage, and organization of the service. The group of librarians involved in the study developed a feasible, efficient, and adaptable methodology for assessing and evaluating a virtual reference service. The developed methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative methods can be used and applied for a similar evaluation of the service in any type of library environment.

Virtual reference librarians (Chatbots)

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Vincze
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Reference Librarians ◽  
Library Staff

Purpose This paper aims to explore integrating chatbot applications into libraries to improve reference services. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores the benefits of using chatbots as virtual reference librarians. Emma the Mentor Public Library’s Catbot is used as a case study. Findings Chatbots cannot replicate the complexity of human interaction (both knowledge and emotional), but these can provide a cost-effective way to answer the majority of routine reference questions and direct users to the appropriate service. Originality/value Readers will increase their awareness of how chatbots can streamline the work of the reference department by answering the majority of routine reference questions and freeing library staff to focus on more demanding research and tasks uniquely suited to humans.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Library Users' Perception And Satisfaction On Library Services At The Center Of Information And Library Resources (Cisral) Of Padjadjaran University

Edulib ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Damayanti ◽  
Anisah Ihtisar
Keyword(s):  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Service Department ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Correlational Method ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract.This research was conducted to address the diverse array of types of services provided byPadjadjaran University Library for its users. The main problem of this research is users'satisfaction on reference services of Centre of Information Scientific Resources and Library(CISRAL) of Unpad. The study focused on one of the factors that connect users' satisfaction onCISRAL reference services in reference services department. Therefore, this research aimed to findout the relationship between library users' perception on reference services and library users'satisfaction on Reference Services of CISRAL Unpad. This research consisted of two variables:users' perception towards reference services (X variable) and users' satisfaction on referenceservices department (Y variable). Both users' perception and satisfaction were measured using fourindicators: collection availability, the competencies of service librarians, the facilities of referenceservice, and the room layout of the reference service room. The population was visitors of referenceservice of CISRAL Unpad and the sample as 135 respondents which was taken as total sampling.This research used descriptive correlational method. The data was collected using closedquestionnaire that used five point Likert Scale with correlation analysis. The data analysis showedthat there was a moderate correlation between users' perception towards reference services and users' satisfaction with reference service of CISRAL Unpad. The results of hypothesis testing suggested that there was a strong relationship between users' perception towards collection availability and the competencies of service librarians and users' satisfaction with reference service of CISRAl Unpad. Also, there was a very strong relationship between users' perception towards the facilities and room layout of the reference service and users' satisfaction with the reference service department of CISRAL Unpad.Keywords: library users' perception, library users' satisfaction, library services. Abstrak. Hubungan antara Persepsi Pemustaka tentang Layanan Sirkulasi Mandiri dan Tingkat Penelitian ini dilatarbelkangi oleh beraneka ragamnya jenis pelayanan yang diberikan oleh perpustakaan untuk para pemustaka di Perpustakaan Universitas Padjadjaran. Pokok permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah kepuasan pemustaka pada bagian layanan referensi Centre Of Information Scientific Resources And Library (CISRAL) Unpad. Inti kajiannya difokuskan pada salah satu faktor yang menghubungkan kepuasan pemustaka layanan referensi CISRAL Unpadpada bagian layanan referensi. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, pokok masalah yang  diungkapkan dalam penelitian ini adalah Bagaimana Hubungan Persepsi Pemustaka Tentang Layanan Referensi dengan Kepuasan Pemustaka pada bagian Layanan Referensi di CISRAL Unpad. Penelitian ini terdiri dari dua variabel yaitu: variabel (X) persepsi pemustaka tentang layanan referensi dan variabel (Y) kepuasan pemustaka pada bagian layanan referensi. Persepsi pemustaka dan kepuasanpemustaka diukur melalui empat indikator, yaitu: ketersediaan koleksi, kompetensi pustakawan layanan, fasilitas layanan referensi, dan tata ruang layanan referensi perpustakaan. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah pengunjung layanan referensi CISRAL Unpad dengan sampel 135 responden yang dihitung berdasarkan total sampling. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode deskripitif korelasional. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket tertutup dengan skala lima kategorilikert dengan analisis korelasi. Berdasarkan analisis data dapat diketahui persepsi  pemustaka tentang layanan referensi berhubungan sedang dengan kepuasan pemustaka pada bagian layanan referensi di CISRAL Unpad. Hasil pengujian hipotesis menunjukkan persepsi pemustaka tentang ketersediaan koleksi dan kompetensi pustakawan layanan dengan kepuasan pemustaka pada bagian layanan referensi di CISRAL Unpad berhubungan kuat, sementara persepsi pemustakatentang fasilitas dan tata ruang layanan referensi dengan kepuasan pemustaka pada bagian layanan referensi di CISRAL Unpad berhubungan sangat kuat.Kata Kunci: persepsi pemustaka, kepuasan pemustaka, layanan perpustakaan.

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