Expanded Online Reference Provides a Key Remote Library Service
MIAMI (July 8, 2020) - Today Springshare announces the completion of the QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference Cooperative’s transfer to the LibAnswers 24/7 Chat Cooperative. Since its launch on February 28, 2020, over 2,800 librarians have joined the global community of Springshare 24/7 librarians and contributing libraries to answer more than 30,000 chats while patrons’ local libraries were busy or offline -- questions that would have been unanswered otherwise.
“As libraries plan an uncertain path forward during the pandemic and as they’re thinking about their long-term services post-pandemic, they’re increasingly requesting 24/7 chat as a way to show that they’ll always be open and there to help their patrons,” said Chief Springy Slaven Zivkovic. “We’re thrilled to have the QuestionPoint customers fully onboard with LibAnswers. Now we can focus on working together and assist our customers as they help their communities.”
The 24/7 Chat Cooperative utilizes Springshare’s LibChat module -- one of the features of its highly regarded LibAnswers virtual communication tool. By integrating the cooperative directly into an existing platform, any one of its approximately 2,500 LibAnswers institutions have the option to seamlessly access the cooperative.
Springshare currently offers academic library, public library, and Spanish speaking cooperatives with the option for separate local cooperatives. Additional types, e.g., law and medical, are planned for the future.
This launch follows Springshare and OCLC’s May 31, 2019, announcement that QuestionPoint and its subscriptions were transferring to Springshare, a recognized leader in the development of reference software for libraries worldwide.
About Patron Point
Patron Point is a fully featured patron relationship management system that helps public libraries around the world attract, onboard, inform, engage, and retain library customers through targeted marketing and automated engagement. Libraries can benefit from a foundation of Proven Programs™ or create their own workflows that are customized to their communities and needs.