Next Gen Digital Reference Tools

Computers in Libraries31 March 2009

Madeline KriescherActing Circuit Librarian

U.S. Courts Library, 10th Circuit, Denver, COComputers in Libraries

31 March 2009madeline_kriescher@ca10.uscourts.gov

IM Reference – How’s and Why’s

What are the core values of your library, who are your patrons, what do they want?

What are your goals? Do you have a timeline? How will the service be funded? What kind of software will you need? How much staff time is involved? Will you need to hire? How will you train staff and secure patron buy-in? How do you effectively market the service?

Traditional v. Virtual Service

Is the reference desk obsolete? NO! E-mail is “old school” but it’s the preferred

method of virtual reference service for the court. Slowly introducing other forms of virtual

reference service. Text a librarian Teaching opportunities Chat

Social Networking

Facebook comes to the court…or not? Using social networking for collaboration.

TwitterNingJ-NetYoungFeds

Blogs and blawgs – internal and external.

Virtual Reference in CO

AskColorado AskColorado is a real-time (chat) online service for

information and research help provided by Colorado libraries. AskColorado is a collaborative project among libraries of all

types throughout the state. Funding comes from Colorado State Library and LSTA

grants, as well as other state and local monies. At any time, 2-5 library staff members are working. Uses Tutor.com to answer online questions. U.S. Courts Library is a referral library (questions by e-mail).