The RUSA-ETS Managing Emerging Technologies Committee and the RUSA-RSS Virtual Reference Services Committee mediated an eForum on the “Past, Present, and Future of Virtual Reference & Emerging Technologies” this past February. The forum attracted at least sixty-two participants (as judged by responses to a demographic survey) who engaged in a discussion about successful virtual reference models beyond chat that they had implemented or were exploring. A highlight of the online forum was the discussion led by special guest Chris Jimenez, Web Services Librarian at Florida International University. He talked about how he is using Alexa with the LibAnswers FAQ and API for auditory delivery of answers to patrons outside of reference desk hours. Find the summary of the eForum here: https://bit.ly/2EJkmc8
We hope to continue the conversation in 2020 with additional online discussion opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering for either committee, join us by visiting http://www.ala.org/rusa/members/volunteer.