Presentation given at the 2009 Fall Meeting of the Indiana Online Users Group. With the majority of student research being done outside of the library, we implemented LibGuides and inserted chat widgets into every guide page, thus allowing users to make connections to librarians instantly whereever they are located and at the point of need.

1. The Library Website with a Face Digitally Connecting to People Where They Are IOLUG Fall Meeting – November 13, 2009 Richard BernierRose-Hulman Institute of Technology bernier@rose-hulman.edu

2. Since most of this presentation was conducted live, the majority of these slides have been created to replicate the presentation as it was given.

6. Typical library website, general info in one area, links to resources in another. We experimented with virtual reference from a commercial vendor, but with chat button only on the main page and not staff not always connected, usage was very low.

8. Once users get a level or two into the website, they are on their own. Some that are outside of the library may find an email to ask for help, but most usually stop their research and come to the library to ask for help when they have the time.

9. Finding which librarian to ask for help can be confusing for users even at small colleges. At larger universities, it can be much more difficult.

10. Yes, you can see my job duties, but can I help you?

11. Enter LibGuides By default, LibGuides enters the profile of the guide owner on every single guide page.

12. Since we only have two reference librarians, we placed both profiles on the home page of each guide.

13. We also created a help tab page on each guide that list all staff members that can provide immediate assistance Each staff member states exactly what kind of assistance they can provide. In addition to contact info, chat widgets allow for direct, immediate communication with that staff member.

15. Most common questions can be answered easily this way. When higher level research help is needed, we can set a time for them to meet with us in the library where we can provide more in-depth assistance.

17. Contact info