Virtual Reference Services - Under the Hood

[Marvin, Stephen G.]

Libraries providing virtual reference services in cooperation with other
libraries will be presenting the tools they use and discussing the software.
In Pennsylvania, LSSI, Docutek and Convey Systems are in use by groups of
libraries.

Please attend The Virtual Reference Services - Under the Hood program on May
24 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA.
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This workshop has been funded with Federal Library Services and Technology
Act (LSTA) funds administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

There are many software choices to select for providing Virtual Reference
services. This program will explore some of the current successful concepts
and programs in development in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Speakers
will discuss their implementation, features, advantages, and benefits to the
customer.  Questions and answer periods will help you learn what you need to
start your own virtual services or cooperate among others.

A block of rooms has been set aside for this program. Use the code PA0523
for a special rate for this conference.  Reservations should be made before
May 9th. Please call 800-233-7505. An evening reception at the Nittany Lion
Inn is planned for May 23rd.

Speakers:  
Larry Schankman - Mansfield University - a look at Convey Systems. Larry was
one of the earliest developers of the Virtual Information Desk for the State
System of Higher Education (http://vid.sshe.edu). Currently, Larry is
coordinating Convey System among five universities of the state system. He
has presented at many national and state conferences. Most recently
presenting to the SEPLA and VRD 2001 Conference in Orlando, FL.

Berkley Laite - Shippensburg University - a look at Docutek's Virtual
Reference Librarian. Berkley is coordinating the activities among many types
of libraries in his region from support by an LSTA grant
(http://www.vrd.org/conferences/VRD2001/proceedings/laite.shtml). Berkley
has presented most recently at the VRD 2001 conference and has written
articles on models of library services in CR&L News.

Lesley Moyo - Penn State University - University Park - a look at LSSI's
Virtual Reference Desk. Lesley is on the steering committee to promote
efforts to provide a live reference service among the four statewide
resource libraries: Free Library of Philadelphia, Carnegie Library of
Pittsburgh, Penn State and the State Library
(http://www.de2.psu.edu/faculty/saw4/vrs/about.html). Among her many hats,
Lesley is the Gateway Librarian at Penn State and most recently presented
Navigation Elements on Library Web Sites - What Works Best? Computers in
Libraries 2002, March 14, in Washington, D.C. Lesley is also on the
Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) Executive
committee of IFLA. 

Stephen Marvin - West Chester University - a look at support tools.
Traditional services such as Pathfinders take on new meaning when providing
Virtual Reference services.  Don't overlook the obvious ways your customers
have learned to help themselves and use these resources to enhance your
goals toward Virtual Reference.  Stephen has made presentations at ACRL,
Internet Librarian, InfoToday as well as regional groups.

Please return with your check (made payable to Pennsylvania Library
Association) no later than May 17, 2002.
 
Send to: Stephen Marvin, FH Green Library 
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383 
Telephone 610-436-1068, Fax 610-436-2251, Email: smarvin at wcupa.edu

Accommodations will be made for persons with special needs.
PaLA Member 	$40  
Non-Member   	$47 	
Student 	$35 
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Directions to the Nittany Lion Inn
http://www.pshs.psu.edu/nittanylioninn/nldirections.asp?page_id=4