Assessing Reference And User Services In A Digital Age

Author : Eric Novotny
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 250 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2013-05-13
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781135804282

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Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age by Eric Novotny Pdf

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.

Author : Eric Novotny
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 252 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2013-05-13
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781135804350

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Assessing Reference and User Services in a Digital Age by Eric Novotny Pdf

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.

Author : Jo Bell Whitlatch
Publisher : American Library Association
Page : 236 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2000-08
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 0838907873

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Evaluating Reference Services by Jo Bell Whitlatch Pdf

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.

Author : Linda S Katz
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 165 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 2013-05-13
Category : Computers
ISBN : 9781136423246

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Digital versus Non-Digital Reference by Linda S Katz Pdf

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.

Author : Joseph Janes
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 236 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2003
Category : Electronic reference services (Libraries).
ISBN : UOM:49015002813435

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Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age by Joseph Janes Pdf

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.

Author : Leslie Stebbins
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 220 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2005-12-30
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780897899376

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Student Guide to Research in the Digital Age by Leslie Stebbins Pdf

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.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 906 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2007
Category : Library science
ISBN : NWU:35556039239298

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Reference & User Services Quarterly by Anonim Pdf

Author : Jia Liu
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 192 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2007-06-30
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781780631127

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The Evaluation of Worldwide Digital Reference Services in Libraries by Jia Liu Pdf

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

Author : David Nicholas,Eti Herman
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 188 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2010-02-25
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781135145651

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Assessing Information Needs in the Age of the Digital Consumer by David Nicholas,Eti Herman Pdf

Aiming at ensuring that everyone obtains the rich rewards available in today's information-centred society, this book seeks to provide a systematic method for the understanding, appreciation and evaluation of information needs, which alone can guarantee the value of information to the consumer. Based on the insights gained from research projects involving hundreds of thousands of people, it sets out to provide a framework, firmly grounded in theory but nevertheless highly practical, for information needs analysis. The book is written both for librarians, publishers, archivists, records managers, journalists and other information professionals, to help them in their efforts to design improved systems and monitor the effectiveness of their services on an ongoing basis, and for individual information consumers, to enable them better to meet their own information needs in the expanding sphere of virtual information.

Author : Linda S Katz
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 277 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2013-10-31
Category : Computers
ISBN : 9781317951650

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Digital Reference Services by Linda S Katz Pdf

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.

Author : Teresa Welsh,Melissa Wright
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 236 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2010-07-27
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781780630359

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Information Literacy in the Digital Age by Teresa Welsh,Melissa Wright Pdf

This book examines the various types of literacy that are important in the Digital Age of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources in a variety of formats. According to the American Library Association (www.ala.org), “information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning and is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. Information literacy is an umbrella term that includes a variety of specific competencies: cultural literacy, library literacy, computer literacy, network literacy, and media literacy. Each topic addressed in the book includes contextual background information, basic concepts, a resource list, exercises and activities to reinforce the important learning concepts addressed in each chapter. Based on content, resources, assignments, and exercises developed for an academic information literacy course In addition to scholarly content on particular topics, each chapter will include practical applications and activities related to information literacy concepts

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 534 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Information science
ISBN : UOM:39015079674613

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Library & Information Science Abstracts by Anonim Pdf

Author : Lesley Farmer
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2007-01-31
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781780631004

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The Human Side of Reference and Information Services in Academic Libraries by Lesley Farmer Pdf

This book examines the questions: how academic libraries provide value-added reference and information services in the digital age. It provides best practices from a global perspective. The book starts by looking at the information needs and info-seeking behaviours of university students and faculty. Then it examines the use cycle: consumer, instruction, and producer. It examines the resource cycle: collection development, instructor, maintenance. What are the essential elements of reference: orientation, instruction, collaborative planning, products? Focuses on information needs and information-seeking behaviours of academic library stakeholders (faculty, students, community) Focuses on technologies: impact on reference and information services (selection, access, interaction, instruction, administration), focusing on the human issues Emphasizes collaborative aspects of reference/info services (with faculty for program/course instruction, with computer services for digital integration, with other libraries for resource

Author : G. G. Chowdhury,Sudatta Chowdhury
Publisher : Facet Publishing
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2011-09-15
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781856045971

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Information Users and Usability in the Digital Age by G. G. Chowdhury,Sudatta Chowdhury Pdf

Information users and usability constitute the main building blocks of today's electronic information world. This important new text is the first to give a holistic overview of all of the necessary issues relating to information users and the usability of information services in the digital world, including user-centred design, and the characteristics and behaviour of information users. This book helps readers understand why information users and the usability of information services are important and equips them to play a proper role in designing user-centred information systems and services and to properly exploit information services for the maximum benefit of users. It covers all of the major issues, the current situation and what the various research studies from around the world show.

Author : R. David Lankes
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2003
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : UOM:39015056184354

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Implementing Digital Reference Services by R. David Lankes Pdf

This comprehensive survey of current digital reference practice focuses on the theoretical and practical issues of digital reference in libraries and information services, with special emphasis on the theme of quality standards and evaluation. The book is divided into six parts. Part One identifies the need for digital reference services; Part Two covers the management of digital reference; Part Three: real-time digital reference services; Part Four: collaborative reference initiatives; Part Five: research in digital reference; and Part Six: evaluating digital reference. Topics covered include: virtual reference--what it is and what it may be; rethinking privacy for the virtual library; providing chat reference service: a survey of current practice; real-time digital reference pilot projects; emerging digital reference standards; moving from virtual to cooperative reference service models; understanding the information needs of adult learners; information-seeking behavior of online users; and assessing quality in digital reference services.