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
•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
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