Chat Standards

  • Reference Interview Skills:
    • Greet the patron
    • Be friendly (in a virtual way) and try to put the patron at ease
    • Solicit information or ask clarifying questions

  • Familiarity with Electronic Resources: (removed - a given now?)
    • Knowledgeable about a wide range of databases
    • Able to do basic searches
    • Suggests appropriate sources

  • Customer service mentality:
    • Follow up on chat sessions when necessary
    • Refer to specialists as needed
    • Be polite to patrons

  • Able to work under pressure:
    • Respond to tight deadlines
    • Adjust to changing conditions
    • Analyze complicated questions and makes appropriate referrals or suggestions

  • Online Communication Skills:
    • Maintain contact during chat session; don't go away for a long period without giving the patron notification
    • Be affirmative
    • Indicate when you are closing the interaction and thank the patron

  • Familiarity with Chat Reference Applications:
    • Able to navigate all parts of the chat software
    • Able to view past sessions navigate the software for follow-ups

Other best practices related to chat interactions are also available.

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