by Beth Staats
Quick Summary
To many, a 24/7 reference service for their library seems like a dream. Perhaps something that could exist in a perfect world where funds and staffing abound. To others, "it's kind of a no-brainer.
To many, a 24/7 reference service for their library seems like a dream. Perhaps something that could exist in a perfect world where funds and staffing abound. To others, "it's kind of a no-brainer. If users don't have to think about or find out when the service is open, if they can come anytime, then they're going to use it." To Nancy Huling, Head of the Reference and Research Services Division at the University of Washington, it was the latter. Like AskMN, the University of Washington uses OCLC's QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference Cooperative to answer patron questions around the clock, even when the library is closed for the night, or closed for multiple days due to severe weather. 24/7 reference services would not work without library collaboration. By partnering with 24/7 reference services, libraries can share staff, technology, expertise, and other resources, and patrons aren't necessarily limited to the resources within their local libraries. Take a look at this OCLC member story about the University of Washington and their 24/7 reference service. If you don't currently offer a 24/7 reference service to your patrons, maybe ask yourself why not? If you're a library in Minnesota and interested in learning more about the benefits of AskMN and being part of a 24/7 reference cooperative please contact me at fried004@umn.edu or 612-624-7873.
