Another State Implements Live, Online Reference.
AskUsNow is a new 24/7 online reference service for Maryland residents. [via LibraryPlanet.com]
"It uses the expertise of librarians to provide answers to questions, research guidance, and help navigating the Internet. Expand your resources, connect with an information expert!"
I love their tag line: "Get answers from a librarian, not a machine."
As I start to ponder my next cell phone, it will most certainly include texting ability and better web browsing. I can't wait to take advantage of this kind of service. It seems like we always have important reference questions when we're driving down to Springfield, and this type of service would provide us with those oh-so-essential answers.
Illinois will be implementing something similar later this year!
Side note: The term "virtual reference" is often used in this context, but I'm working to stop using it myself. As Andrew Pace points out, "there's nothing virtual about online reference. It's real librarians answering questions from real people."
Being a librarian and an information service provider I think this service sounds great; and I will even try it out!
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