Creating a ‘Virtual Expert’ Presence in the Hospital Library

ABSTRACT

As the number of users physically entering libraries decreases, the need to engage users remotely becomes increasingly paramount. This column discusses free or inexpensive tools that hospital librarians can use to create a ‘virtual expert’ presence for their library users. Some of the types of tools highlighted include instant messaging, screen capturing, screen casting (video capturing), online tutorial creation, and free places to host tutorials. Using these tools, the hospital librarian can be available when and where users need help.

KEYWORDS:

• Instant messaging
• online tutorials
• virtual reference

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Soraya Aassar (E-mail: [email protected]), Nicole Mitchell (E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]); Barbara Platts (E-mail: [email protected]); and Steven Van Houten (E-mail: [email protected]).