Research Help Anytime, Anywhere: Extending the Librarian's Reach with Blogs, Wikis, and IM

摘要

Librarians today face considerable challenges as they attempt to more effectively serve patrons. Today's patrons need access to information regardless of time or location. This means that they may need information immediately and do not always find it convenient to come to the library, or they may need information outside of the library's (or specialist librarian's) normal hours of operations. These patron expectations can be a little overwhelming at times, since a librarian can only do so many things at once, and there are only so many hours in a given day. However, all hope is not lost, as a librarian can address patron needs and expectations more effectively by extending his or her reach into the virtual world. I have found that a blog, instant messaging, and a wiki are all excellent tools that librarians can use to better communicate information to patrons and colleagues, while also saving time and effort.