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Thomas Gerrish; Scott Martin – portal: Libraries and the Academy, 2023
During the 2020 and 2021 summer semesters, the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) transitioned to hybrid classes that were primarily distance learning with two-week inperson sections. The library offered both synchronous and asynchronous reference assistance over the summer term. An analysis showed that students favored using the…
Descriptors: Reference Services, Libraries, Synchronous Communication, Asynchronous Communication
Davis, Kate – Australian Library Journal, 2007
In late 2006, the National Library of Australia (NLA) implemented a trial Instant Messaging (IM) service that ran in parallel with the AskNow chat reference service for a six month period. The trial was a resounding success, proving both a demand for an IM service and the suitability of the medium for reference service provision in a collaborative…
Descriptors: Government Libraries, Foreign Countries, Data Analysis, Reference Services
Hitchingham, Eileen; And Others – Online, 1984
Discusses results of mail survey eliciting 180 responses from libraries concerning reference use of online databases. Reference database users profile, activity levels and online use, acceptance by librarians of online ready reference searching, administrative considerations, print materials and online availability, and ready reference questions…
Descriptors: Databases, Library Administration, Library Services, Library Surveys

Kobelski, Pamela; Trumbore, Jean – Journal of Academic Librarianship, 1978
A study subsidizing student use of online literature searching services examined how this new technology met student needs. Student search patterns and overall satisfaction with online searches were evaluated. The implications of student use of computer searches for reference services are also discussed. (Author)
Descriptors: Databases, Information Retrieval, Library Automation, Library Services
Sliman, Paula – 1995
Patron service is a high priority in the library setting and alleviating a large percentage of the directional questions will provide librarians with more time to help patrons more thoroughly than they are able to currently. Furthermore, in view of the current economic trend of downsizing, a navigational computer system program has the potential…
Descriptors: Computer Software, Directories, Information Sources, Librarians
Deschatelets, Gilles H. – 1980
This survey of online search service centers in Canada was conducted to provide data on these centers and, more specifically, on the characteristics of the human search intermediary; and to provide an accurate overall picture of online searching in Canada. The survey questionnaires were mailed to approximately 765 Canadian customers of seven…
Descriptors: Databases, Librarians, Library Services, Online Systems

Markee, Katherine M. – Online Review, 1981
Describes a study conducted at Purdue University Library to determine not only the costs of providing online information services to users, but the value of time saved by the end user in having a computer search run and user satisfaction with the results. Six references are listed. (RBF)
Descriptors: College Libraries, Costs, Information Retrieval, Online Systems

Collis, Betty – International Journal of Instructional Media, 1992
The first of 2 articles on use of telecommunications in secondary schools uses a table to present brief descriptions, benefits, problems, and recommendations of 45 studies on use of online databases and computer-mediated communication. Overall trends and considerations for organizing educationally effective use of these technologies are…
Descriptors: Educational Research, Educational Technology, Online Systems, Reference Services

Carter, David S.; Janes, Joseph – Library Trends, 2000
Presents results of an exploratory study attempting to establish a methodology for the unobtrusive analysis of a digital reference enterprise. Logs of over 3,000 questions asked of the Internet Public Library in early 1999 were analyzed on the basis of questions asked, self-selected demographic information, how those questions were handled, and…
Descriptors: Data Analysis, Electronic Libraries, Information Services, Internet
Durkin, Kay; Dolan, Donna R. – 1980
The use of online searching by reference librarians to provide actual answers and not just bibliographies or current awareness printouts has the potential to save time and money for the reference department. The quick reference service can actually promote rather than compete with the library's online search service for in depth subject searching.…
Descriptors: Databases, Indexes, Information Retrieval, Information Seeking
Mick, Colin K. – 1975
An experimental program placed computer terminals in four San Francisco Bay Area public libraries to be used to provide on-line computer search services to library patrons. The first few months of operation of the experiment showed that there was a significant impact on the participating libraries, on the library patrons, and on the community and…
Descriptors: Experimental Programs, Information Retrieval, Library Administration, Library Role
Hubbard, Abigail – Online, 1982
Discusses the availability and uses of online retrieval systems within the environment of a state legislature, identifies relevant databases, and reports the results of a survey of online retrieval system use by state legislatures. Examples of searches relevant to legislative concerns and a 23-item reference list are included. (Author/JL)
Descriptors: Databases, Information Retrieval, Information Systems, Law Libraries

Geffert, Bryn – Public Libraries, 1993
Description of community online systems focuses on a Freenet in Illinois called P.A.T.H. (Public Access to Heartland). Highlights include patron use; discussion groups and bulletin boards; electronic mail; reference questions; Freenet's place in public libraries; and sample reference questions answered by Freenet information providers. (five…
Descriptors: Case Studies, Community Programs, Computer Networks, Electronic Mail
Files, Patricia Taylor – 1982
This study of the San Mateo Educational Resources Center (SMERC) was undertaken to characterize the use being made of this information service which provides database searches and other information services to educators in 19 California counties and parts of several other states. Requestor characteristics and subjects requested were determined…
Descriptors: Information Centers, Information Services, Online Systems, Questionnaires

Clayton, Audrey – Online Review, 1981
Uses the example of bibliographic retrieval services to explore the potential impacts of historic usage trends, technological advances, actions/policies intended to enhance or control evolving services, and other social, economic, and political developments on areas of concern to users of online systems. Eight figures and 23 sources are included.…
Descriptors: Costs, Databases, Economic Factors, Environmental Influences