Assessing Digital Reference and Online Instructional Services in an Integrated Public/University Library

摘要

In spite of the explosion of interest in virtual reference and instruction, assessment of digital reference remains relatively uncharted territory in the library literature. What standards exist for online reference and instruction and how can they be used to assess the innovative new merged online reference environment at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library? Led by co-unit heads from the former San Jose Public Library Main Branch and the San Jose State University Clark Library, the merged reference unit is a unique testing ground for perceived differences between public and academic reference service. Evaluation of both the online and the live merged reference environment is crucial and will be necessary to determine what is working and what is not. This paper will discuss plans for current and future assessment of digital reference including e-mail, live online reference, and online instruction.