Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference

"by transforming virtual reference (VR) service encounters into relationship-building opportunities, librarians can better leverage the positive feelings people have for libraries"
- OCLC news release

OCLC recently released "Seeking Synchronicity: Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference," a research report which demonstrates that virtual reference users are looking for ongoing partnerships in learning, rather than simple answers to questions. One of the primary authors, Marie L. Radford, presented two sessions sponsored by AskAway at the BC Library Conference in 2009.

The report addresses topics such as what can be learned from VR transcripts, building interpersonal relationships in VR and generational differences relating to reference interactions. The press release and report are available here.

-- Reece, BC ELN