Chapter 1. Self-Assessment Activities

Chapter 2. Learning Activities

Chapter 3. Learning Activities

Common Chat and E-mail  Abbreviations, Emoticons and Emoting

Chapter 4. Learning Activities

Core Reference Sources and Tools

The Virtual Reference Handbook: Interview and Information Delivery Techniques for the Chat and E-Mail Environments

by Kovacs, Diane K. Neal-Schuman Publishers (2007) published concurrently in the United Kingdom by Facet Publishers (2007)

Chapter 1. Technical Competencies Self-Assessment Activity

Definition of terms used in describing learning goals and performance objectives. Select the level of competency that you feel best describes your personal level of technical competency and then click "Generate Self-Assessment Report". This will generate a report you can print out and save to evalute yourself again after you read and complete the activities in Chapter 2.

Technical Competencies (T)

bluearrowT1.1 how to type on a computer keyboard and make use of other related input devices (e.g., mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc.)
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.2 how to work with multiple software applications on a computer with multiple windows, to move appropriately between windows/applications, and to move quickly and mindfully between multiple activities chatting, searching print or electronic sources, etc. (minimal multi-tasking)
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.3 how to access the Internet, use Internet e-mail, connect to Web sites (e.g., using URLs, etc.)
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.4 how to use at least one Web browser
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.5 basic technologies that any given virtual reference service user may or may not be using, have access to, or be limited by
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.6 chat software specifics for a given system you are going to be using.
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.7 how to connect to and chat through a Web-based chat software, Instant Messaging tool, etc.
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.8 the options for document or information delivery
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.9 sending files as attachments in e-mail
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.10 file transfer options (e.g., Instant Messaging, ftp, Web posting, etc.)
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.11 common computer file formats e.g., .txt, .doc .html .gif .jpg .mpg, .pdf, etc.
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.12 local e-mail system and limitations
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.13 other e-mail systems and limitations
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.14 how and where to download, install, and use toolbars, search engines, plug-ins, and other helpful browser extensions
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
bluearrowT1.15 Ability to use a document scanner to scan print materials to be faxed and/or saved for transfer to the user (e.g., send as attachments by e-mail, file transfer options)
I can Demonstrate Awareness of  I have Understanding of I have the Ability to  I have Detailed Functional Knowledge of
Additional comments or ideas: :

(Please include your name and e-mail address if you would like feedback from the author/teacher - otherwise this self-assessment report is completely anonymous)

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