This guide discusses the essentials of live virtual reference, preparing for virtual reference, and implementing and incorporating virtual reference. Chapter 1, "Understanding Live Virtual Reference," lays out what virtual reference is and how it compares to other forms of reference. Chapter 2, "Offering Live Virtual Reference," presents ten reasons to offer virtual reference and ten obstacles to overcome. Chapter 3, "Exploring the Five Models of Live Virtual Reference," introduces the basic, homegrown, advanced, collaborative, and corporate models. Chapter 4, "Planning for Live ReferenceA Nine-Step Process," presents an overview of the planning process and includes sections on articulating a vision, forming a committee, investigating funding, and drafting policy. Chapter 5,"Gathering Information on Live Virtual Reference," covers exploring the external and internal environments. Chapter 6, "Deciding on a Staffing Model for Live Virtual Reference," describes staffing for each of the five models of virtual reference. Chapter 7, "Selecting Software for Live Virtual Reference," present software options for the five models. Chapter 8, "Training the Staff for Live Virtual Reference," discusses the core reference skills that must be adapted to the virtual environment, as well as the new real-time techniques that apply specifically to chatting on the Internet. Chapter 9, "Marketing for Live Virtual Reference," explains the importance of marketing a virtual reference service. Each chapter contains references. (Contains a glossary and index.) (MES)

Meola, Marc, 1968-; Stormont, Sam, 1951-

Neal-schuman Publishers, Incorporated

New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers

United States, United States of America

obscured text on back cover

Includes bibliographical references and index.

xiii, 167 pages : 28 cm
In this text the minds behind Temple University's real-time virtual reference desk walk the reader through six key steps to starting and operating a virtual reference service. They identify five service models: basic; homegrown; advanced; collaborative; and corporate
Includes bibliographical references and index
pt. 1. Understanding the essentials of live virtual reference. Understanding live virtual reference -- Offering live virtual reference -- Exploring the five models of live virtual references -- pt. 2. Preparing for live virtual reference. Planning for live virtual reference : a nine-step process -- Gathering information on live virtual reference -- Deciding on a staffing model for live virtual reference -- Selecting software for live virtual reference : five options -- pt. 3. Implementing and incorporating live virtual reference. Training the staff for live virtual reference -- Marketing for live virtual reference -- Evaluating your live virtual reference

What is live virtual reference?
Why offer live virtual reference?
What are the five models of live virtual reference?
Planning for live virtual reference
Gathering information
Deciding on a staffing model
Selecting software
Training
Launch and marketing
Evaluating.

2023-06-28