Always Here, Always Helpful: Flexible and Fun Virtual Reference in the Public Library

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Where I’m comingfrom… Teen Services Librarian + Branch Librarian + Virtual Services Librarian “I only read books with meaning.”

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What do Ido all day? oSocialMedia oOrganizePodcasting oWebSiteUpdates oUsabilityTesting oStrategicPlanning oBlogPosting oChatReference oQuestionPointMonitoring oTextReference oDigitalBooksSupport oTeachComputerClasses

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Where the MagicHappens

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Myths & Fallacies Youcan’t build relationships over virtual reference. VR is a local service only. Teens will only abuse the service. People only ask informational questions on chat – a waste of librarian time. Face to face is only possible relationship. Librarians aren’t able to answer questions not specific to their library. Teens aren’t worth the effort. Teens don’t have valuable questions. Patrons won’t use VR for “real” reference questions. Only librarians can staff chat.

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Building Relationships One chatat a time

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A relationship canbe one-sided and can consist of just one good experience. ChicagoDailyNews,Inc.(1904)

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Continual Exchange PATRON LIBRARY Seekhelp Find trusted source Ask question Give more info Respond to answer Receive Question Set Expectations Clarify Ask for Feedback Follow up

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Don’t send questionsto a Dead End. JohnCollier(1941)

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What works forus: A Centralized System Having an established process and protocols insures that questions (and patrons) are taken care of throughout the steps.

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Tuesday, 9:15 a.m.

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Consistent Expectations Timeliness: within48 hours, keep patron updated Tone: friendly, inviting Thoroughness: instructive, complete Referrals: specialized, internal & external

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The Virtual Branch TheVirtual branch is as vital as any other branch in your system, if not more so: 1. Routes Questions 2. Quality Control 3. Peer Review

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Involvement Reference Outreach

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It’s not “local,”it’s universal Questions from your library and beyond

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Who are wehelping on chat? All of the time: Seattle Public Library patrons & Ask-WA patrons Sunday afternoons and other times: National Queue Seattle Public Library 61% Ask-WA Co-op 29% National 10% May 1 - May 31, 2011 chat statistics The Seattle Public Library

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Which of thesequestions can you answer? Is my hold ready? How do I download an eBook? Why do I have $56 in fines? I need in depth research about a local building

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Which of thesequestions can you answer? Is my hold ready? How do I download an eBook? Why do I have $56 in fines? I need in depth research about a local building You can answer all of them!

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Which of thesequestions can you answer? Is my hold ready? How do I download an eBook? Why do I have $56 in fines? I need in depth research about a local building You can answer all of them! Usually that’s for a missing or late item. Can I get your library card #? Let’s get on your online account and see! I’m going to get your information for follow up. I can give you a quick overview…

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Use Common (Librarian)Sense ① Can I answer this right now with what I have? ② NO? Get their information:  Card #  E-mail address  Time frame  As many details as possible ③ Tell them what to expect.

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Teens are Terrors Whydo they act this way? Why should we help them?

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Children are our future… Lawmakers Taxpayers Parents Supporters? Advocates? Detractors?

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Are you aninja? Library: Hi there! Patron: are u a ninja Library: I could be Library: Do you think I'd tell you if I were, though? Patron: well id hope so Patron: im an invisible ninja Library: Do you want some ninja books? Patron: are u authorized to talk about this stuff

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Why are theylike this? They have slower access to the frontal lobe (the “CEO” of our brains); decision making skills and impulse control are affected. Image courtesy of Australia's FaHCSIA website

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No, really. Why? Theyare often insecure and they feel safer and stronger in a group. They’re testing their boundaries and discovering their sphere of influence. For many, it’s a novelty to talk to a stranger who isn’t a peer. Like crank calling, but better! Image courtesy of MSNBC Media

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Heightened Expectations Some adults areamazed by chat reference. Teens assume it’s there and want it to be fast and easy to use.

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Peter Benson, President ofSearch Institute “Libraries…help children…by building relationships with them, learning their interests, and being responsive to their needs. Libraries also create an environment that is welcoming and affirming for their young clients.”

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40 Developmental Assets

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How can chathelp? We can help introduce and strengthen some of these important assets. A. Community Values Youth B. Neighborhood Boundaries C. Adult Role Models D. School Success E. High Expectations F. Achievement Motivation G. Reading for Pleasure H. Responsibility I. Interpersonal Competence J. Cultural Competence

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10 Quick Tips Giveclear, easy to follow instructions Refocus when needed Keep them updated on what you’re doing Be honest Don’t judge the question Be Positive & Engaged Acknowledge impatience Set expectations Ask for cooperation Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself

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What if theydon’t have a question?

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The Right Staff WithThe Right Stuff  Problem Solvers  Quick Thinkers  Involved, Animated  Flexible and Adaptable  Generalists ChicagoDailyNews,Inc.(1924)

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Yes, You’re aNinja Library: Naruto is good for ninja reading Patron: ok a serious moment what questions could u ask science teachers about incorporating geothermal energy into their lesson plans?

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Teens will beteens. They will still try to abuse the service, but we must perceive that as reaching out for connection, and turn it into a positive experience.

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“Real” Questions What isone? What is an “information only” question?

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Reference Interview 101: A questionisn’t always what it seems! Don’t assume. “where are the books on china?”

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“When are mybooks due back?” = “I’m going on a vacation to Italy and really need to know which museums to go to and about operas and the story behind the Trevi Fountain about the pennies.”

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What causes acidrain? 9:06am, Ask-WA Co-op (chat)

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What causes acidrain? 9:06am, Ask-WA Co-op (chat) Answered in chat session with URLs and short explanation

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I'm trying tofind the Consumer Reports September 2009 issue. I looked on the shelves and there were other issues from 2009, but not the September issue. 2:08pm, Seattle Public Library(chat)

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I'm trying tofind the Consumer Reports September 2009 issue. I looked on the shelves and there were other issues from 2009, but not the September issue. 2:08pm, Seattle Public Library(chat) Referred to Magazines Dept, who then referred to ILL for photocopy

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Do you havefull metal alchemist cd episodes 14-27? 1:33pm, Seattle Public Library(chat)

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Do you havefull metal alchemist cd episodes 14-27? 1:33pm, Seattle Public Library(chat) Chat operator did a nice amount of bibliographic instruction, patron was happy to learn how to use the catalog and rushed off to try more searches

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JUST 3 THINGS 1.Train the right people 2. Control the quality and consistency of your answers 3. Support system-wide

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jennifer.robinson@spl.org or ask@spl.org

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Discussion • If Iset up chat reference at my institution, will other patrons come use it? Should we require a library card to use our VR? • Do we need to have the lines staffed by librarians? • What kind of training is best for chat operators? Do they need to be “specialized”?

Always Here, Always Helpful: Flexible and Fun Virtual Reference in the Public Library

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