At the workshop "Reference in the Electronic Age" we were introduced to libraries which have active web sites containing links to Instant Messaging tools using a widget entitled Ask a Librarian. The AskMinnesota site is manned by 8 county libraries who take time to log in and answer im questions. This is a new service and quite exciting. Our library doesn't have the means for it, but it is cool. We use several websites for our Face To Face encounters with patrons at our main circulation desk. What we learned is to communicate, ask the questions to narrow the searching. And to show and tell, or explain as you work so by doing this the patron knows where to look, how to find answers and will not be impatient while you are working on their question or request.
Has anyone got any tips to add? I appreciate comments!
Thing 34: 1. the appeal of "answer sites" is they are quick and anonymous. 2.Any kind of question will bring up a bazillion hits. 3. These kind of questions can be answered, people just choose the internet for convenience. 4.People may use these sites just out of curiosity or because they see no need to go to a library. 5. Slam the Boards is a very nice idea. Glad to see it in operation. Don't think I want to do it. Not my thing to be an know it all. --CoriatLib
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