Collaborative reference work in the blogosphere

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores the use of blogs as a platform for providing reference service, and discusses Lyceum, an open source software project from ibiblio.org, for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

The following topics are explored: the evolution of libraries' uses of blogs, the advantages of conducting the reference transaction as a collaborative effort, and the use of blogs as an environment that fosters collaboration. The argument is made that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services

Findings

It is argued that blogs may be used to good effect in reference services. Lyceum, an open source blogosphere application, is discussed as an environment for blog‐based reference service.

Originality/value

To date, blogs are not being used by a library reference services, and by few online reference service unaffiliated with libraries. This paper will be useful to libraries and other reference services interested in conducting the reference transaction as a community effort.

Citation

Pomerantz, J. and Stutzman, F. (2006), "Collaborative reference work in the blogosphere", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610669443