Virtual Reference Desk

[Blythe Bennett <blytheb@VRD.ORG>]

The Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) invites you to volunteer for an exciting
new Internet-based question/answer project!

VRD's goal is to develop a national collaborative network of AskA (as in
"Ask-An-Expert") services. Objectives are:

*Connect K-12 users with experts in order to solve information problems and
improve subject knowledge.
*Assist organizations in building and maintaining AskA services.
*Develop standards for AskA services and the larger field of digital reference.

There is a growing number of quality AskA services in a variety of subject
areas. However, many services often become overwhelmed by increasing
question loads, out of scope questions and lack of sufficient resources.
VRD is offering a collaborative network where many different AskA services,
such as Ask Dr. Math, MAD Scientist Network, AskERIC, and the National
Museum of American Art Reference Desk, will share questions. VRD will
accept some overflow and out of scope questions and will route them to the
most appropriate expert, which can include other AskA services or
individual VRD information specialists.

We believe that school and youth service librarians should be the core of
VRD's service. You are the most qualified professionals to attend to
information needs in a wide range of subject areas. VRD offers you the
opportunity to extend your expertise in information literacy instruction to
students, educators,and parents in a digital environment. Some benefits you
will find from volunteering with this project are:

-become a more efficient information searcher
-find materials online for your own students, faculty and patrons
-continuing education opportunities
-a sense of satisfaction from helping others
-work with a diverse (world) population
-serve on the cutting edge of the profession
-mentor students and professionals online

What would be required from you? You would have some online training
experience and would agree to take a limited number of questions according
to a mutually agreed-upon schedule. As the project grows, there will also
be opportunities to manage questions and answers.

If you are interested in participating at the core of this exciting pilot
project, please contact me. I look forward to working with you in this new
adventure!



Blythe Bennett
blytheb@vrd.org
Virtual Reference Desk
Information Institute of Syracuse
www.vrd.org
800-464-9107

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