Virtual reference service from competencies to assessment

• Other Authors: Lankes, R. David, Nast, Philip
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: New York Neal-Schuman Publishers 2008
• Series: Virtual reference desk series
• Subjects: Electronic reference services (Libraries) > Study and teaching; Electronic reference services (Libraries) > Case studies > Study and teaching > United States; Reference services (Libraries) > Information technology; Reference librarians > Effect of technological innovations on; Electronic reference services (Libraries) > Case studies > Effect of technological innovations on > United States
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 During the last decade, virtual reference has grown from a topic of largely theoretical conversation into a very real and practical library service. This is the latest volume in a groundbreaking series of cutting-edge conference titles which influenced that development, following on from Implementing Digital Reference Services (2002) and The Virtual Reference Desk (2006). Leading experts in the reference field contribute to this new collection, which shares with the reader examples of best practice, forward-looking models, and advice on new developments in virtual reference.The contributors discuss the building of consortia, motivational and coaching techniques for staff, instant messaging options, the creation of subject-specific taxonomies, how to improve interpersonal communications, methods of assessment and much more. A special section of the book introduces the all-new core competencies and standards of the Digital Reference Education Initiative, a funded project to compile training tools from digital reference educators and practitioners.