Virtual Reference Practices In Libraries of India

Abstract

As public access to the internet increases, libraries will receive more and more information online, predominantly through email. Object of this paper is to check the current developing, testing, and evaluating procedures and mechanisms that will enable libraries to work in providing reference assistance over the Web to support patrons’ image information needs. The user-centered project is based upon a successful model for digital reference practice that has been widely embraced in the digital library community. This approach is expected to yield new insight into users’ image seeking behavior that will help libraries to provide transparent access to visual resources across collections and institutions. This article presents an overview of the project and discusses the challenges involved in helping users find appropriate images on the web.