ERIC Number: EJ1224245
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1533-290X
EISSN: N/A
Chatting without Borders: Assessment as the First Step in Cultivating an Accessible Chat Reference Service
Eastman, Teagan; Hyde, McKenzie; Strand, Katie; Wishkoski, Rachel
Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning, v13 n3 p262-282 2019
As distance education programs grow at college and universities across the country, libraries must ensure virtual reference services are prepared to meet the needs of patrons in these programs. This article describes the process and results of a 2018 chat analysis conducted at a midsize research university with a large distance education program. The authors discuss the implications of their findings, as well as their process of closing the assessment loop. By using data to inform changes to virtual reference services, chat becomes more accessible and approachable to all users regardless of location.
Descriptors: Academic Libraries, Library Services, Reference Services, Computer Mediated Communication, Distance Education, Research Universities, Land Grant Universities, Usability, Referral, Library Instruction, Users (Information), College Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Utah
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A