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ABSTRACT

When patron workstations are located far from the reference desk, service suffers because patrons can't easily contact staff. While in-house chat services offer a partial solution to this problem, these services fail to provide the face-to-face element that the literature shows is critical for effective reference service. This study analyzes NCSU Libraries' method for solving this problem, a hybrid service that combines features of in-person and virtual reference service.     

R U There? How to Reach a Virtual Audience Through Affordable Marketing Strategies

ABSTRACT

Virtual reference is a vital service component of many libraries. Whether serving college students or the general public, a real-time reference service demands highly trained staff and quality resources. What can administrators do to make sure their users make the most of this cutting-edge service? The University at Buffalo (UB) was one of the first universities to establish a virtual reference service. Known as Instant Librarian, the chat room thrives as a major public service without placing a drain on staff or budget. This article discusses the marketing strategies UB applies to chat reference, including advertising, use of icons, and user surveys for assessment.     

Twenty Years of Virtual Reference

ABSTRACT

In observance of the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the first journal article devoted to virtual reference, the author explores early e-mail and chat reference services.     

Ask a UT System Librarian

SUMMARY

University of Texas System libraries initiated a chat reference program to support distance learners enrolled at University of Texas component institutions, including the UT Telecampus Digital Library. Librarians at several geographically distant campuses staffed the collaborative chat reference service.

Librarians assisted students at other UT System campuses, in effect becoming “distance librarians” who must have thorough knowledge of both their own library resources and the resources available at other campus libraries.

Librarians at The University of Texas at San Antonio share their experiences with this collaborative chat reference service.     

The Virtual Librarian and the Electronic Reference Interview

ABSTRACT

For many students, the World Wide Web is their main access point for library research and, therefore, libraries need to find a venue for the virtual reference interview. This paper discusses the use of the library home page as a reference tool and its importance in the online reference interview process. This article also discusses some of the research that went into the creation of a home page for a large, urban, academic institution, how this research was utilized, and how the resulting page serves as an online surrogate for the in-person reference interview.     

As I Sit Studying: WWW-Based Reference Services

Abstract

This article reports on the current state of reference services on the World Wide Web (WWW). It explains what a WWW-based reference service is, describes several models of handling requests, and explores the impact of these services on traditional reference services. Based upon anecdotal information the author concludes that, to date, Web-based reference services have had little impact upon traditional reference services.     

How May I Help Thee? Let Me Count the 2.0 Ways…

ABSTRACT

Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0 are terms that have been in the vernacular now for some time. There is an ever-increasing number of 2.0 applications that can be utilized as tools for information and reference service in the academic library. Using examples from experience, four such applications are discussed in the context of providing Internet reference service to undergraduate engineering students. It is impossible to incorporate all appropriate 2.0 technologies in Internet reference so it is recommended that the librarian choose a small number at first and determine which ones works best before trying other applications.     

Developing a Chat Reference Training Program

ABSTRACT

In the last few years, chat reference services have been implemented by public, college and university libraries. One important aspect of the chat reference service is library staff training. Literature shows that this is a vital step in offering a chat reference service. Library staff need to be well-trained in areas of chatting, reference interviewing in a digital environment and using electronic resources, such as the Internet and databases. This article discusses the chat reference training program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The following text provides an outline for establishing a chat training program including planning, organization, implementation and assessment. Areas of discussion include the chat reference interview, chatting and patron management techniques.     

Exploring Virtual Librarianship: Second Life Library 2.0

ABSTRACT

In April 2006, Alliance Library System and Online Programming for All Libraries partnered to start the Second Life Library 2.0 in the online world Second Life and in August 2006 purchased an island on the Teen grid of Teen Second Life. Second Life is a virtual world, a descendant of multiplayer online games. Educational institutions have recently been drawn into Second Life's robust economy and vibrant cultural life. The Second Life Library 2.0 works with librarians from around the world and with other educational partners such as TechSoup, WorldBridges, and the New Media Consortium. Second Life Library 2.0 provides “traditional” library services such as ready reference, book discussions, and search assistance, but, at heart, it explores what it means to be a virtual library in a virtual world.     

User Satisfaction Survey of Ask-A-Question Service at the Internet Public Library

ABSTRACT

To assess satisfaction of the Internet Public Library's Ask-A-Question service, we conducted a three month user survey between February 12 and May 11, 2004. Most respondents were highly satisfied with the answers they received. Although only a few respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the service, we conducted failure analysis on those transactions. The conclusion includes suggestions for improving the IPL digital reference service.     

The Information Navigation System

Abstract

Today's instruction and reference librarians face new challenges as the gatekeepers to information. The information explosion requires that we create strategies for our customers to navigate through a maze of material. This paper describes a reference tool developed at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to meet the information needs of our researchers and offers practical advice to other librarians interested in providing a similar service.     

Social influence process in the acceptance of a virtual community service

This study investigates the effect of subjective norms, tendency to social comparison, and social identity on behavioral intention to use an Avatar service. Use of a virtual community service can be regarded as social behavior or a behavior affected by social factors. This study relies on the link between subjective norms and behavioral intention in the theory of reasoned action, social identity theory, and social comparison literature. The proposed model was tested using survey data with the results lending support for the proposed model. The implications from this study are expected to contribute to the literature by shedding light on the social influence process in two ways. First, this study unveils how social factors including subjective norms, social identity, and tendency to social comparison affect behavioral intention to use a specific service from virtual communities. Second, this study will aid managers and academics to further understand the social nature of customer behavior with regard to using virtual community services and thus provide insight for the development of technology driven e-commerce. Jaeki Song is Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Quantitative Sciences at the Rawls College of Business Administration at Texas Tech University. His research interests include electronic commerce, web design, information systems strategy, and technology adoption. His work has appeared in Management Science, IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, Information & Management, and International Journal of Information Management. He also has published book chapters on Global Information Technologies and Electronic Commerce. Yong Jin Kim is Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at the School of Management at the State University of New York at Binghamton. He holds a Ph.D. in MIS from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has 10 year industry experience. His research interests are in knowledge management, technological innovation, IS success, e-business, and information technology valuation. He has published papers in outlets such as MIS Quarterly, Communications of the ACM, Decision Support Systems, International Journal of Information Management, JITTA, and Knowledge and Process Management. He also has published book chapters on IS Success and e-learning.     

Internet Reference Services for Distance Education

SUMMARY

Published guidelines for distance learning library services provide a framework for distance education librarians to use in planning services for off-campus students. Other literature in the arena of distance education librarianship provides concrete examples of how reference services have been offered in real settings. This paper attempts to synthesize these two types of literature in order to offer models of reference service for distance learners.     

HawkHelp

SUMMARY

This article describes the factors that influenced the design of a chat reference service that meets the needs of distance learners as well as traditional students. Emphasis is placed in the importance of collaborative projects, evaluation of software, and planning the organizational structure. An innovative “peer and tier” staffing initiative may extend hours and free reference librarians to concentrate on research and in-depth questions. Finally, a planning effort by information services may lead to a one-stop shopping service that will include student services that often are problematic for the distant learner (counseling, enrollment, financial aid, etc.).     

虚拟手抓持力觉生成算法真实性的评价

目的 虽然许多学者研发了多种虚拟手交互触力觉生成算法,但是如何评价虚拟手交互触力觉生成算法的真实性是一个富有挑战性的新问题,值得深入研究.方法 构建手指抓持力测量平台,设计3种抓持姿态下指尖静力抓持球体实验内容,测得各指尖作用力的实测值;通过虚拟手静力抓持力觉生成算法,求得这3种抓持姿态下各手指作用力的理论值;对实测值进行统计和分析,并与理论值进行对比和讨论;结果 日常抓持经验和实测值是完全相符的,实测值和理论值很接近且偏差均在可接受范围之内.单个手指作用力或多个手指合力的实测值与理论值的偏差均在1%6%.结论 本文实现了一种基于物理的实验方法,评价和分析了虚拟手静力抓持力觉生成算法的真实性,证实此算法可以逼真地生成虚拟手抓持力,可应用于具有力反馈的自然的虚拟手交互.     

Libraries Begin to Engage Their Menacing Mobile Phone Hordes Without Shhhhh!

ABSTRACT

Few libraries are experimenting with using mobile phones to engage their patrons to improve their service experience rather than focusing exclusively on managing phone use behavior: library code of conduct policies, policy enforcement, signage, quiet library space zoning, and strategies for staff and patron buy-in. Over the past 18 months signs of hope have appeared. Libraries are beginning to engage their users via mobile phones in four ways: audio tours, text message reference service, text message alerts, and mobile library collection search engines. They are not waiting for a better mobile phone service development environment. Library staffs are redefining the possible ways to engage their communities.     

快速数字影像重建的2维/3维医学图像配准

目的 针对2D/3D医学图像配准过程中数字影像重建技术(DRR)生成图像和相似性程度测量两个步骤计算量大、耗时较长这一问题,提出了一种基于Bresenham直线生成算法改进的模式强度与梯度相结合的混合配准算法.方法 首先利用Bresenham直线生成算法原理改进传统光线投射算法(Ray-Casting),完成DRR图像的生成;其次模式强度与梯度相结合并引入多分辨率策略来降低相似性测度的计算复杂度;最终利用改进的鲍威尔优化算法对参数进行优化,完成整个配准过程.结果 实验结果表明,改进的混合配准算法与基于相关系数、互信息和模式强度的配准算法相比,配准效率大幅提升.模拟配准实验和临床配准实验完成时间分别为76.2 s和64.9 s,比传统配准算法效率提升3~6倍.结论 提出的算法在保证配准精度和高鲁棒性的前提下,大幅度地提高了2D/3D医学图像配准算法的运算速度,可以满足临床上精确引导手术进行的实时性要求.     

Appalachian State University Libraries' Ask A Librarian: A Reference Service for ASU Students,Faculty, Staff,and Alumni

SUMMARY

As dynamic content is filling the Internet, so are choices for implementing this service/tool for Web developers. This article concentrates on one of the solutions that offers choices and tools in a single free package. Zope delivers Web-based content using a variety of sources and Internet connections. At Appalachian State University, Ask A Librarian http://www.library.appstate.edu/reference/askref.html concentrates on using Zope, the PostgreSQL database, e-mail, and the Web to offer patrons the opportunity to receive guidance from reference librarians while at a remote location.     

A method for predicting the risk of virtual crashes in a simulated driving task using behavioural and subjective drowsiness measures

Abstract

This study proposed a procedure for predicting the point in time with high risk of virtual crash using a control chart methodology for behavioural measures during a simulated driving task. Tracking error, human back pressure, sitting pressure and horizontal and vertical neck bending angles were measured during the simulated driving task. The time with a high risk of a virtual crash occurred in 9 out of 10 participants. The time interval between the successfully detected point in time with high risk of virtual crash and the point in time of virtual crash ranged from 80 to 324 s. The proposed procedure for predicting the point in time with a high risk of a crash is promising for warning drivers of the state of high risk of crash.

Practitioner Summary: Many fatal crashes occur due to drowsy driving. We proposed a method to predict the point in time with high risk of virtual crash before such a virtual crash occurs. This is done using behavioural measures during a simulated driving task. The effectiveness of the method is also demonstrated.     

Enhancing Virtual Reference: Techniques and Technologies to Engage Users and Enrich Interaction

Virtual reference service has become ubiquitous in academic libraries. The increased adoption of chat technology brings to light some of the challenges of providing high-quality reference service. The lack of a personal connection, increased transaction time, and technical problems are often cited. Techniques, such as conducting a reference interview or using online communication conventions, can make virtual reference as effective as face-to-face reference. Additionally, inclusion of video or Web annotation in the virtual reference session can add an element of personalization that might otherwise be missing. Virtual reference can be an emotionally rich, engaging, and effective form of reference service if these techniques and technologies are adopted.