Librarians are online chat facility?
As you probably already know, Bournemouth University library offer a Click to Chat option as a way of contacting the service. I've found it very useful. Am wondering if it's something that might be considered by the LRC to help students and college staff?
I think its a good idea - I used to man it when I worked there
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that it could be good, however not having staffed one before I would have concerns about not being able to have all the information when handling an enquiry. Often with the students here, we do have to go through a fair number of steps. If we are able to staff it, it's probably worth giving a go.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea. If it's going to work, would we need to dedicate staff time to it, like we currently do the counter rota? Would it work if we just provided the service as and when we could manage it (I'm imagining not!)...? You wouldn't want to be contacted, only to be called away to deal with something else happening in front of you!
ReplyDeleteAm wondering if it's a job that could most successfully be done in Library HQ?
DeleteIt certainly has to be timetabled time away from the counter and clean hand overs so its always manned the hours its advertised to be. Also, you have to have all the information ready - either online or in folders (online better then you can send links to the enquirer if necessary). And you have to be quick and accurate when typing - the student gets to save a copy of the transcript if they want - and all conversations can be monitored afterwards by staff. You never knew what you'd be asked...but I'm wondering whether you just might get a lot of students just messing about (because of their age group more than anything)
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ReplyDeleteAlso, (if anyone is still inquisitive!) we used two PC monitors that were linked so that we could be working on one whilst the other was set up ready for chat
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the practical advice Ros. There's obviously quite a bit more to providing this service than one might think... Useful to know what's involved!
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