Need a refresher on how to answer chat, emails, or texts in Ask a Librarian?
|
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!
February 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 February 2013 vs February 2014 |
February 2014 SuperStar
Each month, the Ask a Librarian team picks an outstanding member that has shown exceptional participation in the program. February’s AAL SuperStar recipient is Mary Beth Isaacson from Heartland Library Cooperative.
Mary Beth Isaacson is the Avon Park librarian for the Heartland library Cooperative (HLC). HLC joined the AAL cooperative program in March of 2013. In addition to staffing weekly statewide hours with her fantastic colleague Maria, Mary Beth has consistently helped pick up extra shifts when we have understaffed hours on the collaborative desk. Her enthusiasm to help when library staff are needed ensures that residents across Florida receive help when they need it most.
Mary Beth has been an incredible supporter of Ask a Librarian which benefits the staff and patrons! Thank you Mary Beth! Your zealous contributions have greatly helped the collaborative service.
Please help me congratulate this month’s SuperStar winner, Mary Beth Isaacson!
January 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 January 2013 vs January 2014 |