How do you become a partner with L-net?

First, consider how virtual reference fits into your library. We have a short article describing some Ideas for staffing the virtual reference desk∞.

Who can staff L-net? Our Training Team has published Core Competencies for digital reference. It isn't necessary that each staff person meet these right away, but they should be willing to grow into a person who does.

Our service agreement∞ outlines what L-net/Multnomah County Library would expect of your library and vice versa.

Things to do

Your Library and L-net : Set up and hold training sessions. Training is usually broken into two 5-hour blocks and includes software training and virtual reference techniques. If your institution or library doesn't have a training lab, we can find a nearby one or use your public access computers before your library opens or after it closes.

Your Library : Choose an individual to be a liaison with L-net.

L-net : Set up logins for Your Library's staff.

* Your Library Make the necessary computer configuration changes for OCLC's chat software.

* Your Library : practice providing virtual reference service with OCLC's practice queue.

* Your Library and L-net : choose a weekly shift (or range of shifts you are available).

* Your Library : view our scheduling software tutorial∞.

Your Library : join the L-net e-mail list∞ and explore the L-net staff website∞.

* Your Library : staff virtual reference desk live with a partner library (eventually alone if it is not too busy).

Your Library and L-net : sign service agreement∞.

Your Library and L-net : issue press release to local media about Your Library's participation in L-net.

Your Library : edit your library's online profile.

* chat providers only

That's it!