Ask the library Joining public and

academic libraries in one virtual reference service

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Anna-Stina AxelssonStockholm County LibraryÅsa Forsberg Library Head Office, Lund UniversityKarl IsakssonKungl. biblioteket/National Library of Sweden, Department of

NationalCo-operationAnna Åkerberg

Information and Interlibrary Loan Services, Malmö office

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

A national virtual reference service. Users can ask questions by chat and email.

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Background

• 1998Swedish public libraries launch Ask the libraryin 1998

• 2003Swedish academic libraries launch Librarian on duty

• 2007Ask the library and Librarian on duty merge = Ask the library

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Ask the library - organisation

Coordination group

• Members from the public library sector and from the university libraries

• Coordinate the staffing• Promote the use • Raise the quality of the service• Provide training to participating librarians

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Activities

• Newsletters• Training sessions• Workshops• Conferences• Participation in Göteborg book fair• Book project• Marketing activities• …

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

We give you an answer, or?

A long process to achieve a common understanding in the coordination group

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

•The history of the hair dryer•Why doesn’t it rain in the Egyptian

deserts?•I need facts about islam•Do you still have a headache when

you’re asleep?•Do you believe in God?

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Bridging the cultural gap?

Between the librarians from the different sectors

• Building a common identity, with emphasis on dialogue and education

• Encouraging an ongoing discussion about the communication in a virtual reference service

• Using the technique to collaborate in a more efficient way• Have the same opening hours

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Where are we heading?

• Users– One service, available where the user is on the users

conditions– High quality answers– A pedagogical and reflective attitude– A resource in all phases of a lifelong learning

• Librarians – A forum for discussions and learning– A platform for collaboration– A concrete collaboration project in

Sverigebiblioteket.se

Lund University Libraries, Head Office / Ask the library / 2008-08-22

Thank you!