Resources for Librarians Participating in Ask Us 24/7
Resources specific to the New York Ask Us 24/7 Cooperative are indicated with an asterisk (*). The other resources are linked from another site.
Scheduling
- Ask Us 24/7 Schedule* - hourly schedule for our librarians staffing the virtual reference desk
- Hours needing additional coverage - please select times from this list, in red or yellow, if you need to make up a shift:
Getting Started
- Ask Us 24/7 Tutorial* - please complete this tutorial if you are unable to attend our training session.
- Ask Us 24/7 Setup Guide for Site Supervisors* - steps for the various administrative tasks that you should complete upon getting your QuestionPoint account
- Ask Us 24/7 Training Manual*
- QuestionPoint Tutorials - includes webinars, PowerPoint presentations, and Flash demonstrations
- QuestionPoint Support - includes documentation and Frequently Asked Questions
- QuestionPoint Browser Setup
- QuestionPoint Administrator Setup Guide - to help site supervisors get started
Policies
- Ask Us 24/7 Policies and Procedures*
- QuestionPoint Wiki - includes best practices, cooperative policies, and tips & tricks
Fees and Hours Requirements
- Fees - calculate the annual fee for your library to participate and one-time set-up fee (if applicable)
- Hours Requirements - calculate the hours that your library will be required to staff Ask Us 24/7
Staying Informed
- Ask Us 24/7 Virtual Reference Participants Listserv* - For additions or changes, contact Cindy Koniniec, the listserv manager.
- QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference Services Blog - we highly recommend that all participating librarians subscribe to this blog, which provides quality tips as well as software updates
- QuestionPoint-L listerv - a forum for the exchange of ideas and suggestions related to the use of QuestionPoint
Guidelines for Virtual Reference
- Tips for Tackling Tough Questions
- WNYLRC Collection* - WNYLRC has many resources on virtual reference available for loan. Contact WNYLRC at (716) 633-0705, ext. 121.
- RUSA: Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers - Includes guidelines in three areas of reference work: in-person, remote, and general (which applies to both). Please make note of the remote and general guidelines.
- RUSA: The Effects of Librarians’ Behavioral Performance on User Satisfaction in Chat Reference Services. Reference & User Services Quarterly, volume 47, issue 2, 2008.
- IFLA: Digital Reference Guidelines - The section titled The Practice of Digital Reference includes tips for online reference transactions.