Articles and Discussions http://www.webjunction.org/virtual-reference 2011-05-11T12:33:18Z 2011-05-11T12:33:18Z Megan Schulz http://www.webjunction.org/virtual-reference/-/articles/content/117531430 2011-05-11T12:33:18Z

Originally a presentation given at 2011 Kansas Library Conference.<br><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">OK... I get it! Implementing IM/SMS reference services, statistics tracking, and online tutorials (LibraryH3lp, Gimlet and Jing)</span></p> <p>Reference departments are always looking for ways to improve the patron experience and remove barriers to resources and services. Helping patrons access the collection is important but having systems in place to help staff librarians handle increases in queries is equally important. Expanding services on limited budgets is key. See how the State Library Reference Department is addressing the challenge of delivering more reference services and learn about SLK's successes using no- or low-cost options. Expect to walk away with information on how to set-up: instant message and text message reference gateways, a searchable knowledge base for librarians which includes statistics tracking, and website tutorials for library services using LibraryH3lp, Pidgin, GoogleVoice, Gimlet, and Jing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Megan Schulz