One library's experience with review and selection of chat software for reference.
When Michigan State University (MSU) Libraries decided to make the foray into virtual reference, the first thing that needed to be done was to decide on the software to use. This article discusses the process used including the items considered essential (deal-breakers) for software to make the first cut, what other features needed to be included, and what features would be useful but were not critical. A literature review of some useful current articles on virtual reference is included. The vendor and software ultimately selected was not one of the original vendors; how MSU Libraries was able to evaluate and select Docutek is presented. A matrix for software comparison is included in the appendix.
Behm
Leslie M
LM
Main Library Reference, 100 Main Library WG1-S, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. behm@msu.edu
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D003284:Contract Services / Q000592:standards; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D020407:Internet; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007999:Library Services / Q000592:standards*; D008824:Michigan; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D012984:Software / Q000592:standards*; D014584:User-Computer Interface