Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Virtual reference service'

Migration from the traditional to web-based library paradigm is usually accompanied by remodelling of many library core activities particularly those associated with user-centred services. In this capacity of the web-based service paradigm, many academic libraries have established networked environments within which many virtual-user communities are forming and growing. Understanding the virtual user's needs in these communities has become the first priority of networked libraries for designing, running and managing effective virtual reference services to meet the increasing expectations of the invisible users. To achieve this, the networked libraries strive to improve their quality of service by applying a wide range of such quality management approaches as quality function deployment (QFD) and LIBQUAL™. QFD initially stresses on driving continuous improvement of the user-oriented services towards end-user satisfaction. The paper attempts to incorporate the QFD to be integrated strategically in designing and managing e-information provision within networked library service environment. The UAE University Library is used as a case study, where the evidence-based librarianship (EBL) approach has been employed in three studies to identify user needs and acceptance of e-services. Based on these studies, the paper presents a model aimed at streamlining e-services for virtual users in ICT-rich learning environments.

O Serviço de Referência (SR), incorporando na sua organização, funcionamento e comunicação com o utilizador um conjunto de potencialidades proporcionadas pela tecnologia, assume um papel fundamental na luta contra a desigualdade e o analfabetismo digital, no fomento da literacia da informação e na criação de conhecimento. A percepção do valor e das fragilidades do SR nas bibliotecas públicas em Portugal levanta a questão sobre como contribuir para o seu desenvolvimento. A presente investigação, visando a construção de alicerces numa perspectiva de evolução, parte da análise de documentos orientadores internacionais da RUSA/ALA (Reference and User Services Association / American Library Association) e da IFLA (International Federation of Library Association) e da observação de características estruturais da Rede Nacional de Biblioteca Públicas (RNBP), para a concepção de soluções de desenvolvimento do SR a aplicar a esta realidade concreta. Seguindo um paradigma compreensivo indutivo, com uma orientação baseada na Grounded Theory, esta pesquisa privilegia o contexto da descoberta e a construção de uma teoria. No plano empírico cumpre uma complementaridade de técnicas qualitativas e quantitativas, com recurso a uma triangulação metodológica. O campo de análise abrange a totalidade das bibliotecas públicas portuguesas integradas na RNBP em Portugal. Visando aspectos funcionais e materiais, são analisados dados preexistentes e aplicadas técnicas de observação directa e inquérito por questionário. Visando aspectos sociais, são efectuadas seis entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Os resultados apontam para uma situação de estagnação das bibliotecas da RNBP e para um funcionamento não estruturado e informal do SR, na maioria dos casos em que se verifica a sua disponibilização. Fundamentada a necessidade de evolução, e do investimento que nele possa ser feito, é construído um modelo, seguindo uma estratégia por níveis, flexíveis e adaptáveis às necessidades e aos recursos de cada biblioteca, que visa o desenvolvimento incremental e congruente daquele serviço; Abstract: The Reference Service in public libraries in Portugal. Development model from international guidelines. Incorporating in its organization, procedures and communication with the users a set of tools brought by technology, Reference Service (RS) plays a key role in the struggle against inequality and digital illiteracy, promoting information literacy and creating knowledge. The perception of the value of RS and the weaknesses in public libraries in Portugal raise the question on how to contribute to its development. In order to build RS foundations on an evolutionary perspective, this research analyzes RUSA / ALA (Reference and User Services Association / American Library Association) and IFLA (International Federation of Library Association) international guidelines and the structural characteristics of the Portuguese National Public Library Network (RNBP), with the objective of creating a solution for the development of that service to be applied to this reality. Following an inductive comprehensive paradigm, with an orientation based on Grounded Theory, this research focuses on the context of discovery and the construction of a theory. Empirically it fulfils complementary qualitative and quantitative techniques, using a methodological triangulation. The field of analysis covers Portuguese public libraries integrating the RNBP. Aiming at functional and material aspects, direct observation techniques and a survey by questionnaire are applied. Targeting social aspects, six semistructured interviews are carried out. The results point to a situation of stagnation in the RNBP as well as the unstructured and informal performance of the SR, which justifies the need for evolution and investment. A model is constructed, following a strategy based on levels, flexible and adaptable to the needs and resources of each library, with the perspective of an incremental and consistent development of this service.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Desde o seu surgimento, a Internet, e nela a Web, têm se popularizado de maneira a tornar-se tecnologia essencial de informação e comunicação, tanto nos países desenvolvidos, quanto em países emergentes. Com o advento da Web Colaborativa, as bibliotecas acadêmicas no mundo todo têm enfrentado o desafio de continuamente repensar a maneira como seus serviços vêm sendo disponibilizados de forma a atingir seus usuários, em especial a geração dos nativos digitais. Nesse contexto de dinamicidade tecnológica surgiu a biblioteca denominada 2.0, que passou a oferecer Serviços de Referência Virtual (SRV) disponibilizando em seus sites, dentre outros serviços, a possibilidade de se comunicar com o bibliotecário através de email e posteriormente chats (ou mensagem instantânea) em tempo real. Este estudo objetivou primeiramente apresentar e delinear as características de um software gratuito de videoconferência e chat que usa tecnologia VoiP utilizado para referência em bibliotecas norte-americanas. Encontrou-se que, embora esse software tenha sido implantando em várias bibliotecas universitárias norte-americanas, com o tempo, essas decidiram por descontinuar o seu uso. Portanto, o foco do estudo se ampliou para a análise dos software para os quais essas bibliotecas migraram e as características dos seus sistemas. Analisa-se também as iniciativas de bibliotecas de universidades brasileiras que implantaram o SRV por meio de chat, os software que estão utilizando atualmente e os fatores considerados por essas instituições no momento da decisão pela implantação do sistema. A permissão para a tradução para a língua portuguesa do guia de Boas Práticas, Políticas e Procedimentos do QuestionPoint 24/7 foi obtida a fim de complementar esse estudo e nortear as bibliotecas brasileiras desejosas de disponibilizar o SRV via chat. A metodologia de pesquisa consistiu em um aporte teórico realizado a partir da literatura produzida nacional e internacionalmente sobre o tema, bem como pesquisa exploratória e observações participantes nos sites de bibliotecas universitárias brasileiras e norte-americanas que disponibilizam o SRV via chat. Este estudo concluiu que o SRV via chat traz benefícios à comunidade e coloca a biblioteca em consonância com as demandas tecnológicas de informação e comunicação sendo apropriado à realidade de bibliotecas acadêmicas brasileiras. Ainda, descobriu que algumas bibliotecas norte-americanas estão fazendo o uso de um software para oferecer o que chamam de Serviço de Referência Proativo.
Since its development, the Internet, and the Web in it, has gained popularity and become core technology of information and communication, both in developed countries and emerging countries. With the advent of Collaborative Web, academic libraries worldwide have faced the challenge of continually rethink the way their services is being made available to achieve its patrons, especially the generation of digital natives. In this context of technological dynamism, Library 2.0 arose, offering Virtual Reference Service (VRS), making available on their websites, among other services, the possibility to communicate with the librarian via email and then chat (or Instant Message) in real time. This study aimed primarily to present and outline the features of a free chat and video chat software that uses VoIP technology used for reference in U.S. libraries. It was found that although this software had been used by several U.S. academic libraries, with time, these institutions decided to discontinue its use. Therefore, the focus of the study was extended to the analysis of the software for which those libraries migrated and the features of their systems. The study also analyses the initiatives of Brazilian academic libraries that have implemented the SRV via chat, the software they are currently using and the factors considered by these institutions when deciding the implementation. Permission to translate QuestionPoint 24/7 Best Practices, Policies and Procedures into Portuguese was obtained in order to complement this study and guide the Brazilian libraries wishing to provide the VRS chat. The research methodology consisted of a theoretical contribution from the literature produced nationally and internationally on the topic, as well as exploratory research and participant observations on the Brazilian and American university libraries which offer the SRV chat on their website. This study concluded that VRS via chat brings benefits to the community and puts the library in line with the technological demands of information and communication therefore it is appropriate to the reality of Brazilian academic libraries. In addition, the investigation found out that some American libraries are making use of software to offer what is being called Proactive Reference Service.

This study reports an experiment that examines whether librarians provide equitable virtual reference services to diverse user groups. The relative absence of social cues in the virtual environment may mean greater equality of services though at the same time greater inequalities may arise as librarians can become less self-aware online. Findings indicate that the quality of service librarians provide to African Americans and Arabs is lower than the quality of service they provide to Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and Jewish students. This study adds to the knowledge of subjective bias in the virtual environment by specifying those that are discriminated against online, identifying the kinds of discriminatory actions of virtual reference librarians, and identifying the type of queries that more frequently result in unbiased service.

Presentación realizada en el marco de las VI Jornadas Nacionales de Bibliotecas Universitarias:"REDESCUBRIENDO LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR EN LA ERA DEL CONOCIMIENTO", realizado 28-30 de Mayo del 2014, Lima. Perú.
Los Centros de Información de la Universidad de Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) implementan el Servicio de referencia virtual, a través de la plataforma Question Point, en el año 2009, con el soporte tecnológico de OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) y ante la necesidad de los usuarios que demandaban un canal de comunicación online, que les permita realizar sus consultas académicas, referentes a los servicios que ofrecen los Centros de información. La implementación de este servicio ha permitido atender hasta la fecha 6534 consultas vía email (formulario web) y chat, lo que no solo ha servido para satisfacer las consultas de los usuarios sino también para formarlos en estrategias de búsquedas y en el uso correcto de los servicios físicos y digitales que ofrecemos a la comunidad universitaria. A partir del año 2011, se integra un Qwidget de chat del Question Point en el Aula Virtual de los alumnos, debido a que se identifica a esta última, como el ambiente virtual más utilizado por los alumnos, al consultar los materiales de enseñanza de sus cursos. Esta estrategia tiene como finalidad que los alumnos puedan encontrar en su principal medio de interacción virtual, una nueva alternativa de comunicación con los Centros de Información, para la resolución de sus consultas referentes a la búsqueda de fuentes de información bibliográfica así como también para solicitar orientación en el uso de los distintos servicios que se ofrecen. Esta estrategia ha dado como resultado que en el año 2013 el número de consultas vía chat se incremente en un 73% respecto al año 2011. Asimismo, cabe resaltar que en promedio el 59% de las consultas vía chat son realizadas desde el Qwidget insertado en el Aula Virtual. Finalmente, un dato resaltante es que el 74% de las consultas recibidas son a través del canal del chat, lo cual indica que existe una marcada tendencia de los usuarios al uso de estos servicios, por lo que se recomienda a otras áreas de la universidad, tomar esta experiencia como modelo para la atención de las consultas que reciben de sus usuarios.

The aim of this master’s thesis is to examine the virtual reference service Ask the Library [Bibblan svarar] from a postmodern perspective. Ask the Library is a Swedish online reference service that is run by the country’s public libraries. The postmodern theories of Jean-François Lyotard are used to study how information is managed and transmitted within the service. From this point-of-view three aspects of the reference service are studied; how the information is affected by the virtual environment, the librarian’s role within the service and finally how the content of the service is managed. The methods for extracting data are a blend of qualitative interviews and online observations. The data is then analyzed from a theoretical viewpoint. The result shows that there are several postmodern tendencies in Ask the Library. Namely the service shows a number of indications toward plurality. This can be related to Lyotard’s theory of the downfall of the grand narratives since postmodern theories celebrate the idea of plurality and diversity. Ask the Library is complex and dynamic in the sense that it adapts its services to the users. In addition to a multilingual service, Ask the Library also offers the users reference help in the form of social network sites like Facebook and Twitter. This makes the service more varied but also deeply complex. The reference service also emphasizes on the librarian’s individual competence and promotes personal knowledge and expertise. In Lyotard’s postmodern theories there is a rejection of absolute and objective truths and this falls in line with the subjectivity that the reference service celebrates. Ask the Library has two different agendas; providing qualitative reference service to the users and also promoting the librarians and their skills. The information, or content, in the service is still organized and under examination by the librarians. Critique of the sources is an important skill for a librarian within Ask the Library to have. These traditional ideas of objective truth are balanced with the new virtual environment that often promotes collective construction of information and knowledge. This study is a two years master’s thesis in the academic field library and information science.

In libraries around the world there are people asking librarians for research assistance. As technology has advanced and communication strategies have moved outside the physical library buildings, librarians now respond to reference queries online. This study analyzed two forms of virtual reference; instant messaging (IM) and log-in chat. The purpose of this study was to find out if there is any inherent difference between the way the patrons or the librarians used these two virtual services.

An exploratory research design focused on numerous aspects of virtual reference communication. During the spring terms of academic years 2011 and 2012 at a community college, 1,341 transcripts of IM and log-in chat sessions were recorded. Using a systematic sampling process, 320 transcripts were sampled and their content analyzed.

Findings indicate that a length of the transaction significantly affected the outcome of all transactions. Log-in chats were generally longer than IM chats and it was found that; they were more complicated, the librarians were more responsive and friendly, patrons were more satisfied and the librarian was generally able to conduct a reference interview more often. Additionally the findings indicated that both IM and log-in chat were very similar in three aspect; patron formality, completeness/accuracy of the librarians' answer and the reference interview adding/changing or clarifying the patrons question.

There were four major conclusions of this study: The log-in chat portal had longer online reference transactions and better overall outcomes; instant messaging portal queries, although similar in many aspects to log-in chat, were ultimately treated in a less formal manner by patrons; librarians gave reference interviews and complete/accurate answers equally in both platforms and there were similar overall success rates in both platforms.

Based on the findings in this study it is recommended that academic libraries serving a general population of students use both the IM and log-in chat portals on their library websites. Patrons appear to appears to be using each portal for different and equally important reasons. Further study of virtual communications practices is needed to enhance the findings of this study as more institutions expand their patron base beyond those who can physically meet with a reference librarian.

Describe los servicios de información que brinda la BVCI con el propósito de ofrecer un diagnóstico que permita identificar la necesidad de diseñar un nuevo servicio de referencia virtual. De esta manera se puede desarrollar los lineamientos necesarios para su implementación, así como es posible formular su planeamiento, orientado a cumplir los objetivos trazados por la biblioteca y la satisfacción de los usuarios participantes y cooperantes del proyecto. Asimismo, el producto de este informe enriquecerá a las futuras investigaciones que se realicen entorno al servicio de referencia virtual, así como a las experiencias del mismo en nuestro país y en el ámbito internacional, beneficiando principalmente a los usuarios. El servicio de referencia será eficaz y eficiente, si su planeamiento y ejecución están orientados básicamente al usuario y desarrollados con las herramientas que proporcionan las tecnologías disponibles, para el funcionamiento adecuado del servicio, en cuanto a comunicación con el usuario y con la búsqueda y recuperación de recursos de información electrónicos. La Biblioteca Virtual de la Cooperación Internacional (BVCI) recopila, procesa y publica la información producida por la cooperación internacional en el Perú, facilitando su acceso sin restricciones. Asimismo, busca ofrecer servicios de información a la comunidad de usuarios a la que se dirige, ofreciendo la posibilidad de interactuar
Trabajo de suficiencia profesional

El documento digital no refiere asesor
Con la finalidad de conocer en qué medida el servicio de referencia virtual Bibliotecario en línea del Centro de Información de la Escuela de Postgrado aplica lineamientos que garanticen la calidad en la gestión del servicio, se procedió ha evaluar el servicio en función de las directrices de IFLA y ALA.
Trabajo de suficiencia profesional

The advances in ICTs have decisively changed the library and learning environment. On the one hand, ICTs have enhanced the variety and accessibility to library collections and services to break the barriers of location and time. On the other, the e-Learning has emerged as an additional medium for imparting education in many disciplines to overcome the constraint of physical capacity associated with the traditional classroom methods. For a vast developing country like India, this provides an immense opportunity to provide even higher education to remote places besides extending the library services through networking. Thanks to the recent initiatives by the public and private institutions in this direction, a few web-based instruction courses are now running in the country. This paper reviews different aspects of e-Learning and emerging learning landscapes. It further presents the library scene and new opportunities for its participation in the e-Learning process. How these ICTs driven advances can contribute to the comprehensive learning process in India is highlighted.

Research is divided about the potential of e-service to bridge communication gaps, particularly to diverse user groups. According to the existing body of literature, eservice may either increase or decrease the quality of service received. This study analyzes the level of service received by different genders and ethnic groups when academic and public librarians answer 676 online reference queries. Quality of e-service was evaluated along three dimensions: timely response, reliability, and courtesy. This study found no significant differences among different user groups along any of these dimensions, supporting the argument that the virtual environment facilitates equitable service and may overcome some challenges of diverse user groups.

碩士
國立臺灣師範大學
圖書資訊學研究所
100
Virtual references, the provision of reference service in the virtual environment, employ a wide variety of information and communication technologies, including email, FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), chat software, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and videoconferencing. The development of synchronous virtual reference initiated in 2000 makes it possible for librarians and users to conduct interviews through the use of Internet, and thus eliminates the barriers of time and space. Users also feel less pressured and more expressive through this kind of computer-mediated communication. The system function of co-browsing (sharing screen with other people) helps the comprehension and clarification of information duringthe interview. The dataset for this study consists of transcripts of 9 volunteer librarians and 30 users and the user feedback. The research method includes discourse analysis and content analysis. These transcripts are coded by the unit of utterance, using the framework of RUSA guidelines for reference services providers. The coding results are sorted into categories and manipulated statistically. The feedbacks are also analyzed with the framework of RUSA guidelines. By analyzing the discourse between virtual reference librarians and users, 5 interview strategies are proposed, including: (A) approachability, (B) clarification, comprehension, and confirmation, (C) searching and responding, (D) follow-up and closure, (E) other situations about virtual reference service system. In interview strategy A, librarians greeted and showed their willing to help users; users thought librarians' attitude in the interview was nice. In interview strategy B, librarians clarified questions; users thought librarians' ability to clarify questions is good and librarians should know how much information users had got. In interview strategy C, librarians introduced resources; users thought librarians should improve the ability to instructing information retrieving skills, responding appropriately, caring about what users were watching, and accessing various kinds of resources. In interview strategy D, librarians asked users if there is any question; users hoped that librarians would keep contact with them actively. In interview strategy E, librarians checked the quality of voice; users thought librarians should guide them to manipulate the virtual reference service system. Interview strategies are not only important in medical, social work, psychotherapist, and law field, but also in LIS field. And the interview strategies should be arranged into the training courses for reference services librarians. Although interview strategies are significant, it is also crucial for virtual reference librarians to develop their own service characteristics and improve the knowledge of all kinds of reference resources.

The questions of whether chat reference service is beneficial enough to users to justify the costs of offering it, and how valuable it is to users in fulfilling their information needs, have been primary concerns for librarians providing the service, for library administrators managing the service, and for funding agencies paying for it. The present study combines a traditional evaluation of the user's satisfaction with the reference encounter, with details of the user's information use and the user's motivation for using the chat reference service. This evaluation study assesses the effectiveness of chat reference service in meeting users' information needs.

This study evaluates the level of adherence to professional guidelines by virtual (e-mail) reference services. These professional guidelines are set up as standards to assure service quality; however, studies of virtual reference effectiveness rarely utilize these standards to measure reference success. This study evaluates and compares the level of adherence to two sets of professional guidelines that have been published by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and the American Library Association (ALA) Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). Analysis of 324 transactions from 54 libraries showed: 1) low levels of adherence to both sets of guidelines; 2) varied levels of adherence based on request types and user names on both sets of guidelines; 3) variation in institutional rank when different sets of guidelines were utilized; 4) no correlation between user satisfaction and adherence to either set of guidelines. The implications of this study for future research and practice lie not only in its provision of a systematic way to analyze transactions in light of the ideal professional standards, but also in providing an empirical benchmark for virtual reference services evaluation.

Virtual reference, which allows users to connect easily with librarians online, is becoming popular. Librarians answer thousands of questions every day over the Internet. As the service matures, professional associations publish standards that provide professional guidelines to improve the quality of the services. This article focuses attention on the quality of these e-services in light of professional and ethical standards in the field. It examines the extent to which librarians adhere to professional and ethical guidelines and the role that virtual reference plays in providing services to diverse user groups. First, it discusses adherence to the professional standards and shows that the professional behaviors of librarians vary depending on user, institution, and request types. Then, it discusses the extent to which librarians provide equitable online reference services to diverse users groups and the inconsistent findings from empirical research.

While the racial diversity of academic library users continues to grow, research on the effects of this diversity remains scarce. This study looks at similarities and differences between non-traditional Caucasian and African American library users through content analysis of ninety-four virtual reference transactions.

Purpose: This paper explores the use of blogs as a platform for providing reference service, and discusses Lyceum, an open source software project from ibiblio.org, for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach: The following topics are explored: the evolution of libraries' uses of blogs, the advantages of conducting the reference transaction as a collaborative effort, and the use of blogs as an environment that fosters collaboration. The argument is made that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services Findings: It is argued that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services. Lyceum, an open source blogosphere application, is discussed as an environment for blog-based reference service. Originality/value: To date, blogs are not being used by a library reference services, and by few online reference service unaffiliated with libraries. This paper will be useful to libraries and other reference services interested in conducting the reference transaction as a community effort.

Report on a study tour of public library services in the US who are providing first class, cutting edge service to their virtual clients. The study tour was made possible by the award of a Ramsay Reid scholarship from the State Library of Victoria in 2006.

Purpose: This paper explores the use of blogs as a platform for providing reference service, and discusses Lyceum, an open source software project from ibiblio.org, for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach: The following topics are explored: the evolution of libraries' uses of blogs, the advantages of conducting the reference transaction as a collaborative effort, and the use of blogs as an environment that fosters collaboration. The argument is made that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services Findings: It is argued that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services. Lyceum, an open source blogosphere application, is discussed as an environment for blog-based reference service. Originality/value: To date, blogs are not being used by a library reference services, and by few online reference service unaffiliated with libraries. This paper will be useful to libraries and other reference services interested in conducting the reference transaction as a community effort.

Ante la explosión de información en la Internet y la automatización en las bibliotecas es necesario educar al usuario en las destrezas de información. La referencia presencial y virtual se han centrado en la solución inmediata de las necesidades de información en los usuarios. Este servicio satisface sus necesidades de información inmediatas, pero no lo dota de las destrezas de información necesarias para resolver los problemas de información de forma independiente. Mucho se ha discutido sobre los temas de referencia virtual y destrezas de información, pero se tratan, en la mayoría de los casos, de forma separada. Con esta problemática en mente, se elaboró y distribuyó un cuestionario para auscultar la opinión de los bibliotecarios de la Universidad de Puerto Rico sobre las destrezas de información integradas al servicio de referencia virtual. Se concluyó que la mayoría de los encuestados tienen más conocimiento acerca de las destrezas de información que de la referencia virtual. La mayoría opinó sobre la importancia de la integración de las destrezas de información a la referencia virtual. El producto final de esta investigación fue la elaboración de una página Web que incluye recursos de referencia virtual, módulos instruccionales y/o tutoriales seleccionados que apoyan el modelo Big 6, herramientas de acceso a los módulos y/o tutoriales a través de buscadores personalizados, entre otros. La página Web fue evaluada y validada por bibliotecarios expertos en referencia virtual y en destrezas de información y por estudiantes de bachillerato, quienes en su mayoría describieron el producto como excelente.

The aim of this thesis is to describe of the chat application in the virtual reference services from both theoretical and practical point of view. The theoretical part is based on close reading of the mostly foreign literature. The first introductory chapter discusses the terminology and definition of reference services and then virtual reference services, which have not been settled yet. The second chapter deals with chat application. All phases of the chat application are mentioned, from planning through implementation and marketing to the final evaluation of the service. The third chapter is devoted to chat as a specific form of communication with particular focus on its advantages and disadvantages in the library services. The findings of these chapters are used in the analysis of the chosen virtual reference services. The practical part in the fourth chapter constitutes chat in real use, first in foreign libraries, then in Czech libraries as well. The fifth chapter constitutes the main contribution of the practical part. It describes the chat preparation within the Czech cooperative virtual reference service "Ask your library" in the National Library of the Czech Republic, in which the autor of this thesis participated. The conclusion provides a brief summary.