Social QA vs. Library Virtual Reference:User Choices and Comparisons

摘要

In recent years, there has been an increased use of SocialQ&A (SQA). At the same time, there has been a reporteddecline of library virtual reference (VR). Most currentresearch touches on the phenomenon from the perspectiveof libraries or library users. In this study, a survey of SQAusers was conducted to understand SQA uses andexperiences, and user comparisons of SQA and VR. Theresults help shed light on SQA user behavior, reasons forparticipating in SQA, important factors in using onlineservices to seek answers, and service awareness andcomparison of SQA and VR. The results also offerimplications for enhancing library VR.