Beth C. Thomsett-Scott is currently the engineering librarian at the University of North Texas Libraries. In her previous role as Reference Unit manager, she assisted with establishing the libraries' Meebo service, as well as their chat and text messaging services. She has been with the UNT Libraries for ten years; previously she held positions at the University of Guelph and University of Western Ontario Libraries. Her professional associations include the American Library Association, Special Library Association, and the Texas Library Association, where she has served in various positions. She has published in a variety of journals and presented conference sessions in the areas of website usability, mentoring and training reference staff and students, and technology. Her passions include virtual reference, website usability, user satisfaction studies, and technologies for reference, instruction, and liaison.

Implementing Virtual Reference Services: A LITA Guide--print/e-book Bundle
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- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the Authors
- Reviews
Social web technologies present an often confusing array of options for answering user reference questions. Applying 20 years’ experience as a reference librarian working through the development of virtual reference and the integration of new tools and technologies into the industry, Thomsett-Scott lays out how libraries are using vendor services such as LibraryH3lp, LibAnswers, and Text a Librarian, as well as free tools like Twitter and Google Voice for their reference needs. Practitioners offer details on virtual reference services such as Twitter Search, instant messaging services such as Google Voice and Chat, and collaborative services such as My Info Quest.
"This volume adopts a 360-degree approach towards the topic and this makes it very informative, because it contains not only tips on technology, but also on staffing, training, marketing, and evaluation … a valuable book, enriched by illustrations and suggested readings for further exploration."
--Public Libraries