Module 1. Informing: Gathering information on the current digital reference arena -- module 2. Planning: Creating a plan for building and maintaining an AskA service -- module 3. Training: Training AskA service staff -- module 4. Prototyping: Creating and testing AskA services in a controlled environment -- module 5. Contributing: Operating and maintaining the AskA service -- module 6. Evaluating: Measuring effectiveness and efficiency of AskA services -- Conclusion -- About the virtual reference desk -- Glossary -- AskA service directory -- appendix: AskA service blueprints.
Summary
A set of six self-instructional modules intended to prepare organizations and individuals to create an Internet-based human-mediated information service. Helpful hints for new services include real-life experiences from existing digital reference services like AskERIC, NASA's Ask the Space Scientist, KidsConnect etc.