Survey: 3 More Days for CDRS Survey!

[digiref at loc.gov]

Dear Information Professional:
 
The survey on the future of e-reference services and the Collaborative
Digital Reference Service (CDRS) is now coming to a close. While the
response to the survey has been tremendously valuable, we would like to
hear from everyone. If you haven't taken the survey, there's still time
for your voice to be heard. The survey will run until 6:00pm EDT on
Wednesday, April 25th. 

People who cannot access the survey through the Internet should send an
email to:

cdrs at loc.gov
 
In the subject line please put: CDRS Survey Request  and indicate in
the message what problems are occurring.


The survey is completely confidential and requires only 10 minutes to
complete. The survey asks your opinion on the importance of various
e-reference features and the value (price) of e-reference services to
your organization.
 
To participate in the survey, you should meet the following two criteria:

 -- 1) You purchase or influence the purchase of online knowledge-based
services for your organization (e.g., online database subscriptions,
e-journals)
 -- 2) You are familiar with the current prices of online knowledge-based
services.
 
All of the information you need to take the survey is included online.
However, we have also included a description of CDRS and proposed options
below for your easy reference. You may find it useful to access this
information when taking the survey. To take the survey, simply point your
browser to the following URL. You must have a browser that supports Java
to take the survey (recent browser versions are Java enabled). Please
check your browser settings to ensure that the Java option is enabled
before taking the survey. The survey URL is:
 
	http://www.speakout.com/coop/library/
 
 
Time is running out, so please take the survey today. Your input is
greatly appreciated and will be very helpful to the planning of this
unique and exciting service that combines the best of librarianship with
the best technology on behalf of users everywhere. Thank you in advance
for your participation.
 
 Diane Nester Kresh
 Director Public Service Collections and Project Director of CDRS
 The Library of Congress
 
 P.S. Watch for upcoming announcements on CDRS interactive sessions at
the June session of ALA in San Francisco!
 
 --------------------------------------------------------------
 Description of CDRS and Proposed Options
 
 CDRS provides the following basic e-reference services to your library
over the Internet:

 -- Submit reference questions through a Web-based form and review
responses (e.g., bibliographic citations, answers) on a Web-based report
 -- Select a deadline and targeted education/age level for each reference
request
 -- Select the method of delivery (e.g., e-mail, URL, postal mail, fax)
and routing (e.g., direct to library, direct to patron with library
notification) for responses to each request
 -- Create, maintain, and control profile information (e.g., name,
address, e-mail address, collection strengths) of your organization and
its staff using Web-based forms
 
Option #1: Content Delivery
 
 In addition to the basic e-reference services of CDRS, this value-added
option provides the following additional services:
 
 -- Receive or access digital media (e.g., text, picture, video, or sound
files) as part of the response (document delivery)
 -- Access inter-library loan (ILL) services that enable patrons to
request items not available at your library
 -- Access e-commerce services that enable patrons to purchase items not
available at your library
 
Options #2: Member Web Site
 
 In addition to the basic e-reference services of CDRS, this value-added
option provides the following additional services:
 
 -- Access detailed information on the innovation and standardization of 
e-reference best practices, including online webcasts and chats with
leaders in the field
 -- Access detailed information on CDRS, including alerts, discussion
topics, upcoming events, and membership and system statistics
 -- Access online tools that support problem-solving, innovation, and
collaboration on e-reference issues with other members
 -- Customize and access a personalized Web page that aggregates and 
organizes the above information according to your interests and needs