The Washington Statewide Virtual Reference Project is assisting libraries in developing chat reference services for their own communities and in sharing resources through collaboration.

Over a two year period, the grants awarded by the project have greatly expanded the reach of chat reference to residents throughout the state.

The VRS Project encouraged libraries to experiment with a variety of virtual reference software programs and produced an outstanding set of marketing guidelines for online reference services.

From the very beginning of the VRS Project, collaboration and sharing of resources were fostered and funded. This emphasis on collaboration led to a number of innovative efforts. Through collaboration, libraries in Washington State are able to share subject expertise, serve distance learners, provide chat reference 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and refer questions to a global network of information professionals.