Page 143 - DLIS001_FOUNDATION_OF_LIBRARY_AND_INFORMATION_SCIENCE

Foundation of Library and Information Science

Notes
collection of e-resources such as, e-books, e-journals, e-databases, e-thesis, standards,
patents, etc. and the links to e-resources provide a quick accessibility all these
resources. Through the library FAQ, OPAC and Links to other open Access/free
resources, the users are capable to search their required information on line and
obtain such resources through electronic mode of distribution.
5. Referral Service: Referral service gives the reference source of required information.
In case of IITs and IIMs, the referral service includes the links to different publisher’s
sites, links to other websites, interlibrary loan and directory service.

6. Web form or Query form Service: In web forms, the user fills out an online form on
the libraries websites. It structures the user’s request in such a way that helps the
user in providing additional supply of information that will specify his/her request.
The query thus structured is submitted to the respective library and the person
replying these will post an e-mail reply to the user immediately.
7. Collaborative reference Service: In this model, two or more libraries team up to offer
reference service using any of the online formats. It includes union list or union
catalogue of participating libraries and also takes initiation towards providing
consortia based resources to the libraries under study for serving the users in a
better way.
8. E-Print archives: E-Prints are electronic copies of academic research papers. They
may take the form of Pre-print (Papers before they have been referred) or ‘post
print’ (after they have been referred). They may be Journal articles, conference
papers, book chapters or any other form of research output. Typically, an e-print
archive is normally made for freely available on the web with the aim of ensuring
the widest possible dissemination of their contents, now the IITs and IIMs libraries
of India are putting to provide such archives to their users.
9. Feedback form Service: In feedback form, the libraries provide an online form for
asking questions to libraries, librarian, also sending suggestion, views and comment
upon the library service for building up the service in a more effective way. Now
days all the IITs and IIMs are try to provide feedback form service to build up a
standard up a standard and user oriented library service.

Increasingly, virtual reference service are being developed and implemented at libraries
across the country. Unfortunately, similar emphasis on developing an assessment
techniques, measures, and standards is not progressing at a similar rate in India. If Virtual
Reference Service is to evolve successfully as bona fide library and information services,
librarians need to engage in ongoing assessment and evaluation of those services. Such
assessment is essential for planning and development of these services, for cost and financial
decision-making and perhaps most importantly, to ensure that user information needs
are met. This study is an important first step towards better understanding how digital
library services can be successfully integrated into existing library and information services
of the premier academic institutions of India, the IIMs and IITs.
Questions:

1. Write down the case facts.
2. What do you infer from it?

Source: http://eprints.rclis.org/9314/1/virtual_reference_service.pdf

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