The possibilities seem
endless! Consortia formed to offer real-time online reference services
include libraries of all types—public, K-12 school, academic,
government, and special. They are able to take advantage of time zone
differences to offer expanded hours of service. They connect library
users with subject and language expertise and with a global network
of information resources.
Here are just a few examples
of the many innovative chat reference consortia.
Answers
Now is a unique collaboration between public libraries in South
Carolina, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Offering reference desk
coverage around the clock, the 24/7
Reference consortium includes over 50 public, academic and special
libraries.
Public libraries in California participate in a chat reference consortium called Ask Now, which provides homework help, Spanish language assistance, and access to legal and medical librarians.
One of the biggest consortia
is OhioLink,
serving more than 600,000 students faculty and staff at 83 colleges
and universities.
MyWebLibrarian
is a single entry point for general reference or medical questions,
as well as for homework or research questions from K-12 and college
students. It serves Illinois residents and is funded by the Illinois
State Library. Other state libraries have funded similar consortia,
including AnswerLand
(Oregon), KANAnswer
(Kansas), AskColorado,
Q and A NJ
(New Jersey), and AskUsNow
(Maryland).
Chat reference is available
to all Australian citizens through AskNow.
Libraries in Illinois that serve
the blind are piloting an "online information community"
called InfoEyes,
which features a chat reference service for the visually impaired.
The Index
of Chat Reference Services lists the numerous collaborations,
partnerships and networks throughout the world.