The purpose of this study was to measure the degree to which academic libraries or library staff members throughout the United States adhere to the Guidelines for Virtual Reference Services provided by the Reference & User Services Association (RUSA). The results of the study were analyzed to identify specific areas where improvement is needed in virtual reference, and to discover the strengths of effective virtual reference services. The authors conclude that the RUSA Guidelines are not being met by every institution. Most of the libraries appeared to fall below what would be considered a positive experience. Although some of the reference encounters were superior, these were the exception.