What is real-time reference?
Chat reference in Washington State
Innovative chat reference services
Planning and implementing a new service
Choosing a software vendor
 
Information about
this workshop
Going Virtual is a workshop designed for library directors, reference service managers, or other decision-makers who are thinking about implementing real-time (chat) reference services. It is sponsored by the Washington Statewide Virtual Reference Project.
 

Goals are to increase participants' awareness of:

  • Basic concepts of chat reference
  • Changing customer service expectations
  • Reference delivery options
  • Current chat reference services in Washington State
  • User reactions to chat reference
  • Expanding services through collaboration
  • How to plan and implement chat reference
  • How to select a software vendor

    Why go virtual? What do you value in the online services you use? Are your library users ready for real-time online reference? Why chat? Why not just offer email reference?


  • Sponsored by the Statewide Virtual Reference Project, Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
    Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA).
    Last Revised: 07-Jul-2004