[OPLINLIST] KIN24x7 Recruiting New Libraries

[Donald Boozer]

If your library has been considering joining the 20% of Ohio public libraries that help staff KnowItNow24x7, now is a great time to sign up! 

We are looking for at least two public libraries to help staff our 5:30-8:30pm Thursday evening shifts but are willing to work with you to find a mutually beneficial shift if Thursdays are not a good time for you and your staff. 

Software and training are provided free of charge, and we even have two training sessions coming up in Columbus if staff members are interested in attending: http://provider.knowitnow.org/node/129891 

There are a number of benefits to being a KnowItNow24x7-provider library. A few include: 

For managers and directors: 
- Increas ing statistics for reference transactions done by your library. 
- Reviewing the work of your librarians: Interactions across the in-person reference desk do not provide a permanent record. Virtual reference session transcripts provide a real-time record of your staff's work and are useful for providing kudos, suggesting areas for professional development, and keeping in personnel files. 
- Demonstrat ing your commitment to regional and statewide resource sharing and collaboration 



For l ibrarians: - H on ing your reference skills in a variety of subjects: KIN24x7 l ibrarians learn to be quick on their feet and to gain experience in searching websites and databases in a wide variety of subjects. 
- Getting “real” reference questions: KIN24x7 librarians mention that they sometimes get more "real" reference questions when staffing the collaborative service than they may at the in-person reference desk. 
- Asking for assistance from other librarians on difficult questions: The KIN24x7 software provides the ability to easily ask other librarians in the network (through broadcasts and instant messages) for assistance when a "stumper" question comes up either virtually or at the reference desk. 

If interested in joining the statewide virtual reference service or for more information, please email support at knowitnow.org. 

Thank you! 


Don Boozer 
KnowItNow24x7 Coordinator 
Cleveland Public Library 
325 Superior Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114 
216-623-2960 
dboozer at cpl.org 
http://www.knowitnow.org 

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