April 2014 Statistics
Usage Summary
| Top entry by chat
Training
Self-Paced Training Program Learn everything you need to know in order to staff Ask a Librarian. Register Here. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to begin your training within 24 business hours | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Live Chat
| Local Stats by Entry PointProvides a breakdown for each member libraries individual chat, email and text message statistics. Chat, Email, and Text |
Yearly Comparison April 2013 vs April 2014 |
December 2013 Exemplary Reference Awards
The Quality Assurance Workgroup is happy to award the following transcripts for the December 2013 Exemplary Reference Awards.
Brief Exemplary Reference Award: Lindsey Wharton, Florida Keys Community College
Lindsey knew exactly where to retrieve the information for this brief transaction. She further elaborated of the differences between symbols and metaphors. The student left happy with the information they received.
Detailed Exemplary Reference Award: Greg Sidberry, Nova Southeastern University
Greg worked diligently to find more information for a patron who was doing genealogy research. Greg established a friendly interaction with the patron who was grateful for the time he took to try and further her knowledge of the person she was researching. Excellent job!
Salena Coller
Teaching Exemplary Reference Award: Salena Coller, Sanford-Brown Institute
Salena led her patron to a good database for her topic, suggested search strategies, helped the patron refine her searches and THEN helped her find a great resource for another assignment and discussed availability of resources for that assignment. A lot packed into a session!
Transcripts: The three winning transcripts can be read on the toolbox website.
Each month we receive numerous nominations for fantastic reference. Here are the other nominees.
Brief Chat:
Maggie H, FSU Libraries
Janice B, Lee County
Lisa, Keiser University
David G, Jersey College
Robin B, Hernando
Detailed Chat:
Ingrid, Pasco Hernando CC –
Beth K, Valencia College
Kristen J, Polk State
Jan S, UF
Teaching Chat:
Kira, Ask A Librarian Staff
Jaime G, Ask A Librarian Staff
Lori L, Lee County
Eric, Florida Keys CC
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: https://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.
Now, That’s Pinteresting: A Tips from the Trenches Webinar
Tips from the Trenches: Now, That’s Pinteresting
Monday, April 21, 2014 10:30 – 11:00 am ET
In this webinar, you’ll learn how one library uses Pinterest to connect and share with patrons and other libraries. With over 2,000 followers and over 1,000 pins, the Niceville Public Library knows how to connect! Learn from Lora Glass, Head of Reference & Interlibrary Loan at Niceville Public Library, who will explain what it is, how it works, and what she does to maintain such a fantastic Pinterest page.
Tips from the Trenches:
Because what better way to learn about helpful resources than to hear from the library staff who are actually using them?
Can’t attend the live class on April 21st? Register here for access to the recording, available within 7 days of the live event.
Questions about the Tips from the Trenches series? Contact Ask a Librarian Virtual Reference Coordinator Traci Avet Hector at avett@tblc.org with questions or topic suggestions.
Need a refresher on how to answer chat, emails, or texts in Ask a Librarian?
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Ask a Librarian Mentoring Program
You’ve already attended training – but you just haven’t had much opportunity to practice or staff the chat reference desk… sound familiar?
Are you trying to staff chat now, but still feeling a little like a fish out of water?
Would you like someone to help you apply your knowledge and skills to the exciting world of chat reference?
The Ask a Librarian Mentoring Program can help.
Since 2009, the Ask a Librarian Mentoring Program has helped library staff apply their in-house knowledge to the virtual setting. From live, one-on-one guidance during actual patron chats to anytime-emails of reassurance or feedback and support, your mentor will work with you to meet your individual goals in chat reference on Ask a Librarian.
What is an Ask a Librarian Mentor?
Ask a Librarian Mentors are librarians, just like you, who have experience working with real patrons in live chat through Ask a Librarian. Your mentor is there to share his or her knowledge, experiences, and wisdom in conducting chat reference and using the Ask a Librarian software. Your mentor’s foremost goal is to help you – to encourage your comfort, growth, and achievement in a warm, supportive environment.
Who can beat that?!
What will I learn?
Your mentor will help you to navigate successfully through the software (such as pushing nifty Web pages to patrons), to feel more comfortable utilizing online resources that help you – and your patron – during chats, tips on building and maintaining patron rapport from their own personal experiences, and more.
How does it work?
We’ll find you your very own ‘seasoned pro’. Your Ask a Librarian Mentor can work with you in pretend-patron practice sessions to gently guide you toward a level of increased comfort and performance during chat. Your mentor will work with you to establish a plan of action that best fits your needs and schedule. From emails and phone calls to practice sessions and real-time assistance during actual patron chats, your mentor is there to help you succeed!
Where do I start?
Interested? Just fill out this form to become a mentee. This will be private – just between you & your mentor. What do you have to lose, but maybe a little anxiety or fluttering stomach? Virtual reference experience builds your professional growth and your experience portfolio, so take advantage of your peers’ generosity and increase your skill & comfort levels in Ask a Librarian.
Questions? Just contact Traci Avet Hector, Ask a Librarian Virtual Reference Coordinator, at avett@tblc.org.
April 2014 SuperStar
Jennifer Kepple
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 Jennifer Kepple from Fort Walton Beach Public Library. Jennifer Kepple is the Adult Services Librarian at Fort Walton Beach, part of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative. She has been nominated for exemplary reference awards and is a July 2009 Detailed Exemplary Reference Award winner. In addition to staffing several ongoing weekly hours, she frequently volunteers for the collaborative desk and hops on during emergency calls-for-help. She has also provided extensive, one-on-one guidance to several Florida librarians in her role as Ask a Librarian Mentor. She is knowledgeable and always enthusiastic, and we are truly appreciative of her help! Thank you Jennifer for all your contributions to the collaborative service. You are a true shinning star for the program! Please help me congratulate this month’s SuperStar winner, Jennifer Kepple!
March 2014 Statistics
Usage Summary
| Top entry by chat
Training
Self-Paced Training Program Learn everything you need to know in order to staff Ask a Librarian. Register Here. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to begin your training within 24 business hours | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Live Chat
| Local Stats by Entry PointProvides a breakdown for each member libraries individual chat, email and text message statistics. |
Yearly Comparison March 2013 vs March 2014 |
March 2014 SuperStar
Each month, the Ask a Librarian team picks an outstanding member that has shown exceptional participation in the program. March’s AAL SuperStar recipient is Hadi Sheikhnia from Keiser University.
Hadi Sheikhnia is the librarian for Kesier University in West Palm Beach. He has been nominated for several exemplary reference awards. In addition to staffing weekly statewide hours, Hadi always helps pick up extra shifts when we are short staffed on the collaborative desk. Hadi also helps market AAL by promoting us on Twitter & personal pages. He is always outgoing and VERY friendly to everyone on the desk.
Hadi has that infectious personality that shines for Ask a Librarian! Thank you Hadi for all your contributions to the collaborative service.
Please help me congratulate this month’s SuperStar winner, Hadi Sheikhnia!