Ms. Nancy Huling: Course Materials
Virtual Reference 101
Contact the Instructor
Tuesday, July 29
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Class Descriptions/Objectives
Description
Virtual Reference 101 introduces options for providing online reference services to users. Concepts include planning and implementation of online services, product comparisons, collaboration, marketing, and best practices. The importance of the reference interview in the online environment will be discussed, as will differences and similarities between face to face reference and online reference. The course will feature lecture, demonstration, discussion, and interactive exercises.
Readings, Materials
If you have time to read these before class, first read this short overview of virtual reference:
Virtual Reference: A Work in Progress (PDF)
If you have an opportunitiy before our class session, please spend a little time exploring the following website:
Virtual Reference Adventure Website
When you tire of the pictures and music, click on the enter button. You're free to wander through the entire website, but especially take a look at the following sections:
- A Plan
- Basic Skills
- Training (click on the link to More to Explore and watch the demonstration of a chat interaction)
- Policies
- Interview Skills
Read the following article:
Luo, Lili. "Chat reference competencies: identification from a literature review and librarian interviews." Reference Services Review 35(2, 2007): 195-209.
Instructor Information
Ms. Nancy Huling
Head of Reference Division & Adjunct Lecturer of the iSchool
University of Washington
email: hulingn@u.washington.edu
phone: 206-685-2211
If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at chinlib@u.washington.edu.
Last modified: Thursday July 17 2008

