[Answerland] Answerland Fall Updates

[STARKSMITH Gesse * SLO]

Hi Everyone,

Hope that fall is treating you well so far! Here are a few updates about Answerland and LibAnswers:

Ongoing Uncertainty with Future Funding
Answerland is funded until June 30, 2026. We do not currently have any definite information about our funding after that point and we do not know when we'll have more information. Given this uncertainty, I recommend that all Answerland partners start conversations with their institutions about contingency planning. I would like to meet with each partner library this fall to see how I can help you with this process. I can meet virtually, but I'm also very interested in coming to visit you and seeing your library. I'm planning to reach out to everyone, but feel free to get in touch with me if you'd like to schedule something soon!

New Task Function in LibAnswers
Some of you may have noticed the option to create a task popping up in LibAnswers. According to the Springshare FAQ: "The Task Manager is an optional module to add a "tasks" functionality to any/every queue in your system and for the chats you answer (and those you miss)-allowing users answering chats and tickets in the queue(s) to create tasks, assign them due dates, and assign them to specific users. Each task that you create is connected to a specific ticket or chat (or missed chat), so you can monitor and manage any additional actions that are required as part of your workflow for answering a ticket and for reviewing chat transcripts and your missed chats." I have activated this function for the Answerland LibAnswers site and you are welcome to use it if you'd like to!

Updated Functionality for Schedule Contacts in LibAnswers
Springshare is working on updates that allow Schedule Contacts to drop/add shifts for anyone at their institution. Springshare's 24x7 Co-Op staff will contact you when they have activated this function for your institution. (Some of you have already received this message. I don't have a timeline for the complete roll out, but if you haven't heard from them and are especially interested in this feature, let me know and we can see if they can prioritize your institution.)

Please feel free to get in touch with me anytime questions come up or you have feedback to share.

Thanks,
Gesse Stark-Smith, MIS (she/her)
Virtual Reference Coordinator
State Library of Oregon
gesse.stark-smith at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:gesse.stark-smith at slo.oregon.gov> | 971-600-4992
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<https://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
Work Schedule: Mon 8-2, Weds & Thurs 8:30-4

[Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon]<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>

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