Ayn Rand

On Thursday we discussed the many benefits (greater availability, for one) and perils (organization, support) of virtual reference in a library setting.

To begin with, we looked at and considered a few examples of VR implementation in other libraries, and then chewed over a hypothetical setup of our own. We decided that our library's virtual reference would be available during the library's open hours, though we discussed the possibility of starting and ending this service later. Many of us were adamant that only reference librarians or those with public service positions within the library should be able to staff VR, though I think it's true, as Keern suggests, that initial forays into VR need the support of the entire library. It may be true that a cataloger won't provide the same level of service as a librarian who does reference daily, but it isn't necessarily so, and I would be hesitant to distance the virtual reference service from someone who may really want to be a part of the project.

We also tried out some VR of our own, using Meebers and Soho. I was able to find out the population of LA County and that Ayn Rand is some dead chick. I don't know why any library would choose not to implement virtual reference services.

Also, I tried adding a little GoogleTalk chatback thingie (spellchecker hates all three) to the right side-panel of my blog, but apparently it has issues. Fine, fine. Edit: it works now!