Our exercise this week in analyzing potential copyright infringement situations that digital reference librarians may encounter made me rethink some of the things that I do on a daily basis at work. It provided a good refresher for proper procedures in providing copies of electronic database information and articles. I don't know if many patrons think about copyright when they are conducting research or writing papers.

Information is so readily available on the internet, I don't...

aed48

I really enjoyed this weeks exercise. I should insert my disclaimer that I want to be in Collection Development when I grow up!

I had to stop myself from trying to claim more than the required number of links to check. It is amazing the number of site requests that the IPL receives for potential inclusion. Some of the sites can be determined right away, others are a little iffy.

It was interesting to see "behind the scenes" of the IPL website and try Hypatia. ...

aed48

It is interesting to see the change in incoming question volume. I am enjoying the RA shifts but wish there were more questions for everyone!

I am still amazed at the range of questions and locations of patrons, it really illustrates the global search for knowledge.

I can't believe that it is week 7 already, time flies when you're having fun...

aed48

1) Compare and contrast these three technologies for offering reference services.

I think each application has benefits and drawbacks. Email reference, you have more time to find the answer but you can't ask those important clarifying questions, if needed.
Chat reference you can ask the questions but initially there is the added pressure of the person "standing" waiting for the answer. Also, people may feel more inclined to say things they might not if they were in a...

aed48

1) What do you think about the QuestionPoint software?

The question point software was interesting. I felt that the concept was easy to understand but the using it with the limits on the software was difficult. Whenever there is a system with a large number of users there is always a chance for glitches. I think that it is an excellent service to offer and the software can only get better over time.

2) Did you feel that the training was sufficient?
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aed48