Abstract |
Virtual reference service has become an important issue since the beginning of the 21st century. Both IFLA and ALA have announced guidelines and standards for virtual reference services. Virtual reference service is popular in the west, but only a few libraries offer virtual reference service in Taiwan. The availability of virtual reference service is due largely to the system, e.g., QuestionPoint, and well-trained virtual reference librarians. This study attempts to delineate the necessity of knowledge and skills for the virtual reference librarians, how to design the training courses to fulfill the purposes, and whether training program meets the need. The methodology includes need assessment, course design, training session, real virtual reference service sessions, and post-service interviews. The research results support the usefulness of the training program and suggest that future virtual reference librarians need a set of specific skills, including system use and professional delivery techniques.
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