A digital branch or reference service brings human interaction to the computer age, so that patrons can get information and answers from library staff via digital communication tools such as email, chat, IM, and live online events. WJIL provides a host of resources for the library reaching out with virtual reference.
Contents: Resources | Courses and Learning | Community | What could I do with…? | What’s New RSS Feed 
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Resources
- The starting page for exploring WJIL resources related to this topic. From this page you can connect with resources such as Technical Standards, Publications, Quality Standards and White Papers.
- Path: [Library Services » Information Services » Reference & Resources » Virtual Reference ]
What is a Digital Branch Anyway?
- A chapter from Library Technology Reports that introduces the concept of a digital branch and outlines the phases of developing and maintaining the library’s web presence.
- Path: [Library Services » Information Services » Reference & Resources » Virtual Reference]
Case Study: Washington State Virtual Reference Project
- A look at how Washington State Library implemented a successful blended learning program for training virtual reference staff.
- Path: [Library Services » Information Services » Reference & Resources » Virtual Reference]
- This presentation summarizes the final results from the Assessing Quality in Digital Reference Project, including an overview of the evaluation manual and selected key issues that the project identified. The presentation also discusses next steps in evaluating digital reference services and offers recommendations for how libraries can best implement and use the evaluation manual
- Path: [Library Services » Information Services » Reference & Resources » Virtual Reference » Technical Standards]
AskA Question Submission Forms
- An overview of the types and features of question submission forms used by AskA services such as KidsConnect, the Internet Public Library, How Things Work, and Ask Dr. Math.
- Path: [Library Services » Information Services » Reference & Resources » Virtual Reference » AskA Digests]
Privacy Policies on K12 AskA Service Sites
- An overview of privacy policies for K12 AskA services, includes resources for creating privacy policies. Path: [Library Services » Information Services » Reference & Resources » Virtual Reference » AskA Digests]
Courses and Learning
Digital Reference Summit: Be Where Your Users Are
- Join this special 90 minute webinar to hear the latest implications, trends and tips in digital reference with a panel of special guests including: Stephen Francoeur, Information Services Librarian, Baruch College (NY); Susan McGlamery, 24/7 Reference Cooperative Director; and Alison Miller, Internet Public Library.
Building the Digital Branch for the 21st Century - webinar archive
- When was the last time your website was redesigned – three years ago? Last century? Join presenter David Lee King for Building the Digital Branch: Guidelines to Transform Your Website for the 21st Century, a webinar brought to you in special collaboration with WebJunction-Kansas and ALA TechSource.
WJIL Course Catalog - Courses related to Virtual Reference
- Basic Web-based Reference will help the learner to provide basic web-based reference service involving e-mail and chat. The course addresses the advantages and disadvantages of online reference, gives step-by-step guidance, and provides tips and resources.
Tools for the Reference Desk – AMIGOS Instructor led course
- Do you want to learn how to implement Web technologies in your reference desk? This course explores a variety of online tools, from blogs, wikis, to free chat software and web-based platforms from which you can engage your users at the reference desk. Come learn how to utilize several free online tools in your reference activities. NOTE: This course is a live Instructor-led course consisting of 2 two hour sessions. Enrollment in this course is for fee. See details in the course description.
Community
- Ask?Away Illinois is an Internet-based reference service that allows information seekers to interact online and in real time with a skilled librarian. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reference librarians from public, academic, school, medical, and other special libraries in Illinois staff the service in collaboration with librarians in Wisconsin and beyond for peek time and after-hour support. Join the AskAway Illinois librarians to share ideas and materials. The group may also be used to post announcements about the cooperative.
- Path: [Illinois Center » Featured Statewide Initiatives » Ask?Away Illinois]
What Could I do with…The Ask?Away IL Group?
WJIL Groups provide a place for users with a common interest to exchange information and resources. If you are interested in joining the Ask?Away Illinois Group on WJIL, go to http://il.webjunction.org/86 and click on the “Join the Group.” You’ll find helpful resources such as the Chat Schedule, how to Request a Substitute, Steps to Participation in Ask?Away Illinois and Promotional Posters for marketing your Ask?Away virtual reference service.