What makes a chat session good and what makes a chat session exceptional? Carla Pfahl, Coordinator of AskMN (Minnesota’s statewide virtual reference service), and Merrie Davidson, Social Sciences Librarian and fellow AskMN librarian at the University of St. Thomas, will look at how to conduct a reference interview and what makes an exceptional reference transaction. Register today!
This month, we are recognizing a Library system that has played an outstanding part in the way Ask a Librarian operates. May’s AaL SuperStar recipient is Florida State University Library System (FSU).
FSU envisioned a whole new way of utilizing Ask a Librarian when they joined in August 2011. They view Ask a Librarian as an integral part of they way they serve their patrons everyday, from every page of their website and they do it from an FSU locally-branded desk.
FSU staffs their FSU-branded desk every hour that the library is open – a total of 134 hours per week. The local desk is their Ask a Librarian interface and they staff the collaborative desk as their contribution to the collaborative project.
The Ask a Librarian team would like to thank FSU for changing the way we think of Ask a Librarian – first as a local service and then as a statewide collaborative service.
The Quality Assurance Workgroup is happy to award the following transcripts for the December 2012 Exemplary Reference Awards. Transcripts were awarded in three categories: Best Brief Chat, Best Detailed Chat, and Best Teaching Chat.
Jamie Goldman, AAL Intern
Brief Exemplary Chat: Jamie Goldman, Ask A Librarian Intern
Jaime quickly found several credible websites for a student seeking information related to immigration. Very efficient, enthusiastic and helpful!
Detailed Exemplary Chat: Theresa Smith, State College of Florida
The Patron says it all… but Theresa happens to have a degree in History… [08:41:34] Patron: No I could not ask for more. I am so excited to have found this service. What a great job, i love history and of course reading. Just know that I really appreciate your knowledge and help with my little project! I will contact my local branch to renew my card and receive a pin, i definitely need to spend more “FUN” time in the library.
Cat Silvers, FSU Libraries
Teaching Chat: Cat Silvers, Florida State University
Cat did a very thorough job of helping a student learn how to use Google Scholar’s search engine to search both the home library’s databases and other sources. She explained to the student how citations can be sent to RefWorks also. Good job of teaching a student how to navigate and use Google Scholar effectively.
Each month we receive numerous nominations for fantastic reference. Here are the other nominees.
Brief Chat:
Susan S, Hodges University Sila, FSU Libraries Sarah C, Nova Merilyn, USF Caroline, NCF
Detailed Chat:
Susan S, Hodges University Lynn M, Citrus County Carlos F, Miami Dade College Morgan R., Broward County Melissa K., Suwanee River Tim B, Edison State
Teaching Chat:
Robert S, Goldstein FSU Amanda S, Everglades University Meredith R, Goldstein FSU Lauri R, FAU Kellie S, Keiser University Kimberly, FGCU Morgan S, FL State College Elena S, Nova
Nominate: Show your statewide colleagues that you value the customer service they provide to your patrons and students with a nomination. You can nominate yourself or your co-workers sessions in the Ask a Librarian Toolbox at: http://info.askalibrarian.org/toolbox/exemplaryreference/nominatetranscript/ or when closing a live chat session.
THANK YOU!
A huge thanks to everyone for all their hard work on Ask a Librarian – without each of you, Ask a Librarian would not be a success.
The Quality Assurance Workgroup is happy to award the following transcripts for the November 2012 Exemplary Reference Awards. Transcripts were awarded in three categories: Best Brief Chat, Best Detailed Chat, and Best Teaching Chat.
LindseyWharton
Brief Exemplary Chat: Lindsey Wharton, Florida Keys Community College
In the patron’s own words, “im very impressed you are able to articulate these somewhat confusing steps” –and I agree. Great job, Lindsey.)
Kira Smith
Detailed Exemplary Chat: Kira Smith, Ask A Librarian Intern
Kira took her patron from logging in to finding the databases appropriate to her topic then searching for her topic. Kira did a good job explaining everything as she went along.
Peggy Gunnell, Seminole State
Teaching Chat: Peggy Gunnell, Seminole State
Peggy zeroes in on what the patron’s needs are for her research paper, then helps her navigate the databases to find articles. She follows up by emailing the patron.
Each month we receive numerous nominations for fantastic reference. Here are the other nominees.
Brief Chat:
Gary Parsons, FAU Patrick B, Orange County Library System Lauri R, FAU Marie M, Art Institute of Tampa Joshua F, Orange County Library System James L, Palm Beach County Candace, MDPLS Susan L, South Florida SC Renee VRP, Ask a Librarian Staff Rachael N, FAU
Detailed Chat:
Lauri R, FAU Carlos F, Miami Dade College - Tiffany S, FIU Susan S, Hodges University Joshua F, Orange County Library System Jaime G, Ask a Librarian Staff Diana R, Ask a Librarian Staff Andrew B, Pasco Hernando CC Robert S, Goldstein FSU Meredith R, Goldstein FSU James L, Palm Beach County Laura C, Lee County Hal H, Sarasota County
Teaching Chat:
Gary Parsons, FAU Lauri R, FAU Amanda S, Everglades University Debora S, Palm Beach Atlantic Dan H, Indian River State College Lauri R, FAU Alexandra P, Tampa Hillsborough Susan L, South Florida State College April H, University Florida
Nominate: Show your statewide colleagues that you value the customer service they provide to your patrons and students with a nomination. You can nominate yourself or your co-workers sessions in the Ask a Librarian Toolbox at: http://info.askalibrarian.org/toolbox/exemplaryreference/nominatetranscript/ or when closing a live chat session.
THANK YOU!
A huge thanks to everyone for all their hard work on Ask a Librarian – without each of you, Ask a Librarian would not be a success.
Each month, the Ask a Librarian team picks an outstanding member that has shown exceptional participation in the program. April’s AAL SuperStar recipient is Debora Stewart from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Debora is a reference librarian at Warren Library in West Palm Beach. She has been at PBA since April of 2000. She is a past Exemplary Reference winner for a teaching chat in both April of 2010 and 2012. Debora has been nominated for this award several times.
Debora has been a strong supporter of the Ask a Librarian program since they joined in July of 2004. She staffs two Academic Desk hours per week for her library.
Debora’s dedication to the program is TERRIFIC! She enjoys finding information and helping AAL patrons get exactly what they are looking for. Her love for learning brings strength to the program for our students and patrons using the service.
Please help me congratulate this month’s SuperStar winner, Debora Stewart at DEBORA_STEWART@pba.edu.
The Quality Assurance Workgroup is happy to award the following transcripts for the October 2012 Exemplary Reference Awards. Transcripts were awarded in three categories: Best Brief Chat, Best Detailed Chat, and Best Teaching Chat.
Sara Gonzalez, Everglades University
Brief Exemplary Chat: Sara Gonzalez, Everglades University
Sara handled a tricky question well. She found a rare, old VHS tape and located the reason why the patron had been frustrated about it — there was a cataloging mix-up on the record in the patron’s library system. She also gave good detailed information about the language versions of these three films, and where they are located in the state. In the end, although no direct solution was possible, Sara handled it well by asking the patron if they wanted to call the library at which the VHS tape might be available. It was a thorough handling of the question, conducted with good customer service.
Lauri Rebar, Florida Atlantic University
Detailed Exemplary Chat: Lauri Rebar, Florida Atlantic University
Lauri was thorough as she patiently inquired as to just what the patron was looking for. She did an excellent job leading the patron to the resources needed. The skill and expertise displayed were perfect examples of an Askalibrarian.
Susan Livingston from South Florida State College
Teaching Chat: Susan Livingston, South Florida State College
Very precise and clear directions to help a student access information in a database. Great teaching/learning situation.
Each month we receive numerous nominations for fantastic reference. Here are the other nominees.
Brief Chat:
Abby S, FSU Libraries Carly P, Wilderness Coast Carol C, Tallahassee CC Gary Parsons, FAU Greg S, NOVA Ingrid Pasco, Hernando CC Jaime G, Ask a Librarian Staff Jennifer Kepple, Fort Walton Beach Library Kaya vB, USF St. Petersburg Laura Clark, Leon County Public Library Lauri R, FAU Lori L., Lee County Michelle H, Pasco County Library System Pam H., Polk State College Sila L, FSU Libraries Susan S, Hodges University Tara G, FSU Libraries Tricia E, FAMU Zach Everglades, University
Detailed Chat:
Abby S, FSU Libraries Amy-Jane M, Lee County Cathy Burnsed, Leon County Public Library Diana R, Ask a Librarian Staff Indi H, Broward County Ingrid, Pasco Hernando CC - Jessica R, Ask a Librarian Staff Kira S, AAL Marie M, Art Institute of Tampa Nanette Cope, Sarasota County Library System Sila L, FSU Libraries Susan S, Hodges University Tiffany S, FIU
Teaching Chat:
Amy, Southeastern University Carlos F, Miami Dade College Elaine S, Indian River State College Gary Parsons, FAU Greg S, NOVA Ingrid, Pasco Hernando CC Jill Simser, Brevard Community College Julio G, Miami-Dade Public Library Katherine M, Valencia College Lauri R, FAU Margeaux J, UF Matt B, FSU Libraries Rachel T, Florida Gulf Coast University Susan S, Hodges University Tiffany S, FIU
Nominate: Show your statewide colleagues that you value the customer service they provide to your patrons and students with a nomination. You can nominate yourself or your co-workers sessions in the Ask a Librarian Toolbox at: http://info.askalibrarian.org/toolbox/exemplaryreference/nominatetranscript/ or when closing a live chat session.
THANK YOU!
A huge thanks to everyone for all their hard work on Ask a Librarian – without each of you, Ask a Librarian would not be a success.
This week’s motivational minute is from Deb Henry at USF St. Petersburg. She had a questions from a student on the academic desk from Florida Gulf Coast University about not having any luck finding journal articles on brainstorming, thinking she may have been searching incorrectly. Using her great reference skills, Deb was able to ask the right questions to find out what brainstorming topics the student really needed like brainstorming from a psychological viewpoint or how people brainstorm in a business environment or just in general.
Deb pointed her to the correct database, subject heading and limiting the results on the returned search page. Deb finished by telling the student that ” Getting into a database that covers the subject matter is half the battle and then just some trial and error with terms to use. At the end the student was so appreciative and said Deb had been such a big help. Another rewarding chat with a grateful student. THANKS Deb!
Question: Hi there- I am not having any luck finding journals for a specific topic. Perhaps I am searching incorrectly?
You have been connected to Deb – USF St. Petersburg. Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Welcome to Ask a Librarian; my name is Deb and I will assist you today. Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Hi, what is your topic and what databases or resources have you been using? Patron: Brainstorming Patron: I have been using my schools Journal database Patron: I need to find a few journals w/ 1, 2, and 3-7 authors Patron: Not having any luck. Maybe I am doing it wrong? Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Are you looking at brainstorming from a psychological viewpoint or how people brainstorm in a business environment or just in general? Also, do I understand the you need to find at least one article written by one author another by two authors and then at least a third that has 3 or more authors? Patron: Yes, that is what I need to find. Patron: Actually, just general Deb – USF St. Petersburg: FGCU doesn’t let me see what databases you have access to (I’m from USFSP) but if you have access to a database called Academic Search Premier or Omnifile full text Mega, I can go into those through my library and work with you that way. Patron: Hmm..I’m not sure if I do Deb – USF St. Petersburg: From the FGCU library home page you should see a link to DATABASES under the Find Books and articles heading on the left side of the screen Patron: Ok, yes I have access to that Deb – USF St. Petersburg: The system will ask you to log into using your student information but you should then be able to see what databases are available. Patron: Ok I found Omnifile Patron: That one is listed in the Databases. I do not have Academic Search Premier access Deb – USF St. Petersburg: I will go into my Omni file Deb – USF St. Petersburg: If you type in brainstorming, you will get a lot of hits. I would look on the left and select scholarly journals (peer-reviewed) and narrow the results Deb – USF St. Petersburg: The most recent article should appear first in your list and then the articles will get older. Patron: Terrific Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Brainstorming is actually a subject heading so if you redo the search and change the pull down menu to SU for subject from any field, you will improve relevancy Patron: Is there any way to tell it to search for a certain number of authors? Or that will just be me searching it out? Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Let me look at that Deb – USF St. Petersburg: I don’t think they have an option for the number of authors but you can change the number of results per page to 50 instead of 10 per page which is the default. That way you could scan more quickly through the list and mark the articles that have potential. Patron: Excellent! Deb – USF St. Petersburg: For example on my list as you get into the teens, I see some articles with multiple authors Deb – USF St. Petersburg: I do see some 2 author articles as well. Patron: Okay so it is just a matter of searching Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Getting into a database that covers the subject matter is half the battle and then just some trial and error with terms to use but brainstorming looks like a popular topic. Patron: Okay great Deb – USF St. Petersburg: Can I help you with anything else? Patron: No, thank you. You have been such a big help! Thank you so much Deb – USF St. Petersburg: You are welcome. Good luck with your assignment
