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Collaborative Reference Work in the Blogosphere. Reference Services Review, 34(2), 200-212

Pomerantz, Jeffrey and Stutzman, Frederic (2006) Collaborative Reference Work in the Blogosphere. Reference Services Review, 34(2), 200-212.

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Abstract

Purpose – This paper explores the use of blogs as a platform for providing reference service, and discusses Lyceum, an open source software project from ibiblio.org, for this purpose. Design/methodology/approach – The following topics are explored: the evolution of libraries' uses of blogs, the advantages of conducting the reference transaction as a collaborative effort, and the use of blogs as an environment that fosters collaboration. The argument is made that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services Findings – It is argued that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services. Lyceum, an open source blogosphere application, is discussed as an environment for blog-based reference service. Originality/value – To date, blogs are not being used by a library reference services, and by few online reference service unaffiliated with libraries. This paper will be useful to libraries and other reference services interested in conducting the reference transaction as a community effort.

EPrint Type:Preprint
Keywords:reference service, asynchronous reference, digital reference, virtual reference, collaborative reference, blogs, blogosphere
Subjects:Virtual Communities
Reference Services
Library Systems
Internet
ID Code:1280
Deposited On:02 August 2006
Alternative Locations:http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/00907320610669443, http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00907320610669443, http://www.ils.unc.edu/~jpom/pubs/Preprint-RSR-2006.pdf
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