Virtual Reference (QuestionPoint), Kitsap Regional Library
October 2011 - present
I am the point person for virtual reference at my branch. Responsibilities for email reference questions via QuestionPoint rotate through the larger branches on a four-week schedule. In addition to answering patron questions directly, I also make sure that all questions are assigned and answered in a timely fashion. Every other week, I also provide chat reference for the 24/7 collective.
I am the point person for virtual reference at my branch. Responsibilities for email reference questions via QuestionPoint rotate through the larger branches on a four-week schedule. In addition to answering patron questions directly, I also make sure that all questions are assigned and answered in a timely fashion. Every other week, I also provide chat reference for the 24/7 collective.
Spanish Virtual Reference (QuestionPoint), Milwaukee Public Library
October 2010 – June 2011
Competencies demonstrated:
Bienvenidos! I was thrilled to be involved with developing a new service to reach our underserved Spanish-speaking population. It seems like there are very few Spanish-speaking librarians in Wisconsin, so I’m very grateful I had the skills to help launch this program! One of the most exciting things about this project is that I was involved in the early stages of planning. I discussed implementation and marketing strategies, inter-library collaboration, and resource sharing with my peers from around the state. With one other co-worker, I created a wiki to allow Wisconsin Spanish chat librarians to share Spanish-language online resources. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding this service was canceled not long after its launch, and was never heavily advertised. However, we learned so much in the process that will help us craft an even better service when funding improves.
I have also participated regularly in English-language virtual reference through QuestionPoint at several libraries. For more on my reference experience, visit Reference & RA.
Competencies demonstrated:
- Identifies individuals and groups not currently served by the library, determines needs, develops programs and services, and promotes them to the non-users with targeted marketing
- Evaluates services and uses the results to improve future services
- Recognizes, respects and addresses the diverse nature of the library’s users and community
Bienvenidos! I was thrilled to be involved with developing a new service to reach our underserved Spanish-speaking population. It seems like there are very few Spanish-speaking librarians in Wisconsin, so I’m very grateful I had the skills to help launch this program! One of the most exciting things about this project is that I was involved in the early stages of planning. I discussed implementation and marketing strategies, inter-library collaboration, and resource sharing with my peers from around the state. With one other co-worker, I created a wiki to allow Wisconsin Spanish chat librarians to share Spanish-language online resources. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding this service was canceled not long after its launch, and was never heavily advertised. However, we learned so much in the process that will help us craft an even better service when funding improves.
I have also participated regularly in English-language virtual reference through QuestionPoint at several libraries. For more on my reference experience, visit Reference & RA.