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Virtual reference librarians (Chatbots)

Virtual reference librarians (Chatbots) PurposeThis paper aims to explore integrating chatbot applications into libraries to improve reference services.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the benefits of using chatbots as virtual reference librarians. Emma the Mentor Public Library’s Catbot is used as a case study.FindingsChatbots cannot replicate the complexity of human interaction (both knowledge and emotional), but these can provide a cost-effective way to answer the majority of routine reference questions and direct users to the appropriate service.Originality/valueReaders will increase their awareness of how chatbots can streamline the work of the reference department by answering the majority of routine reference questions and freeing library staff to focus on more demanding research and tasks uniquely suited to humans. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Library Hi Tech News Emerald Publishing

Virtual reference librarians (Chatbots)

Library Hi Tech News , Volume 34 (4): 4 – Jun 5, 2017

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References (5)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
0741-9058
DOI
10.1108/LHTN-03-2017-0016
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to explore integrating chatbot applications into libraries to improve reference services.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the benefits of using chatbots as virtual reference librarians. Emma the Mentor Public Library’s Catbot is used as a case study.FindingsChatbots cannot replicate the complexity of human interaction (both knowledge and emotional), but these can provide a cost-effective way to answer the majority of routine reference questions and direct users to the appropriate service.Originality/valueReaders will increase their awareness of how chatbots can streamline the work of the reference department by answering the majority of routine reference questions and freeing library staff to focus on more demanding research and tasks uniquely suited to humans.

Journal

Library Hi Tech NewsEmerald Publishing

Published: Jun 5, 2017

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