[13476] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Reference Librarians vs. Search Engines
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Minna Sellers)
Fri Aug 11 20:09:38 2000
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2000 15:05:17 -0600
From: Minna Sellers <Sellers_m@FORTLEWIS.EDU>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
Message-Id: <3991C78D.F56F7A2@fortlewis.edu>
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In a somewhat related thread to the machine-human / human-human
interface, I have been trying to get an e-mail form-based reference
service off the ground for some time. There have been very few questions
- it probably averages two a month. This is probably because the link to
it is not obvious on our Web site; I hope that a recently redesigned
site will increase its use. However, I also suspect something else is
needed to generate interest and confidence. While some aspects of human
psychology lead people to avoid seeking assistance with humans, there
are aspects of human nature that can be employed to enhance our
interaction, i.e.,connecting reference librarians and those seeking
information. While people avoid humiliation, condescension and other
behaviors exhibited by our less gentle or less professional colleagues,
people, like dogs, are naturally curious and social (some, to a degree).
Hence, they are exceedingly curious about other people, as long as they
don't have to get too close and are provided a safe environment. We are
natural voyeurs. Having a reference question bulletin board or postings
database on a Web page might generate interest and establish it as a
(hopefully) reliable and worthy place. I have seen such a reference site
a year or so ago and was impressed and fascinated by the questions and
the answers. I believe they were indexed or classified as well, with a
keyword search feature. Although the Internet Public Library has a page
with Frequently Asked Reference Questions that is quite nice, the Web
site that I remember was generated automatically. The database appeared
to be updated dynamically. It looked really slick technically. On the
other hand, it included all the unpolished language of the query and the
not perfectly composed answer, once of its most interesting features.
Kinda quick and dirty and looked very human and humane. One of the
impressive things about it was that each question was taken seriously as
a reference question. I think the automatic nature insured that -
librarians couldn't select a question to post - all questions were
displayed. Even if it was something usually not asked of a "librarian,"
an answer was sought and given. Jidging by the number of questions, it
appeared very successful. Unfortunately I have lost it's URL. Does
anyone know of such a site or one similar?
-----------------------------------------------
Minna Sellers e-mail: sellers_m@fortlewis.edu
Coord. Ref/Electronic Services voice : 970.247.7424
John F. Reed Library fax: 970.247.7149
Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO 81301
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