Ask the library Joining public and academic libraries in one virtual reference service.

Ask the library Joining public and

academic libraries in one virtual reference service

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Anna-Stina AxelssonStockholm County LibraryÅsa Forsberg Library Head Office, Lund UniversityKarl IsakssonKungl. biblioteket/National Library of Sweden, Department of

NationalCo-operationAnna Åkerberg

Information and Interlibrary Loan Services, Malmö office

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

A national virtual reference service. Users can ask questions by chat and email.

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Background

• 1998Swedish public libraries launch Ask the libraryin 1998

• 2003Swedish academic libraries launch Librarian on duty

• 2007Ask the library and Librarian on duty merge = Ask the library

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Ask the library - organisation

Coordination group

• Members from the public library sector and from the university libraries

• Coordinate the staffing• Promote the use • Raise the quality of the service• Provide training to participating librarians

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Activities

• Newsletters• Training sessions• Workshops• Conferences• Participation in Göteborg book fair• Book project• Marketing activities• …

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

We give you an answer, or?

A long process to achieve a common understanding in the coordination group

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

•The history of the hair dryer•Why doesn’t it rain in the Egyptian

deserts?•I need facts about islam•Do you still have a headache when

you’re asleep?•Do you believe in God?

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Bridging the cultural gap?

Between the librarians from the different sectors

• Building a common identity, with emphasis on dialogue and education

• Encouraging an ongoing discussion about the communication in a virtual reference service

• Using the technique to collaborate in a more efficient way• Have the same opening hours

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Where are we heading?

• Users– One service, available where the user is on the users

conditions– High quality answers– A pedagogical and reflective attitude– A resource in all phases of a lifelong learning

• Librarians – A forum for discussions and learning– A platform for collaboration– A concrete collaboration project in

Sverigebiblioteket.se

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Thank you!