[Reforma_or] Your Input on Providing Virtual Reference for Spanish Speakers

[STARKSMITH Gesse * SLO]

Hi All,

Just a quick reminder to send me your thoughts about the usefulness of virtual reference for Spanish speakers in your communities. If you are able to send me your thoughts by Mon 4/7 that would be great.

Thank you!

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>

From: Reforma_or <reforma_or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of STARKSMITH Gesse * SLO via Reforma_or
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 12:19 PM
To: reforma_or at omls.oregon.gov
Subject: [Reforma_or] Your Input on Providing Virtual Reference for Spanish Speakers

Hi All,

My name is Gesse Stark-Smith and I am the (relatively new) Virtual Reference Coordinator at the State Library. I'd love to get your input on how Answerland, the statewide virtual reference service, can serve Spanish speaking community members.

Background on Answerland
Answerland<https://answerland.org/> is a chat reference service for people living, working or studying in Oregon. It is operated by a combination of staff from public, academic and special libraries across the state, volunteers (mostly library school students) and a back-up "24x7 Global Cooperative" of librarians coordinated by the software company, Springshare. We answer a variety of questions from research to account services to basic resources.

Early in the pandemic, Answerland began offering chat service in Spanish. (Thank you to those of you who provided or currently provide reference chat coverage in Spansih!) However, since staff have become busier with in-person services, we no longer have much Spanish language chat coverage. We also do not have a lot of usage by Spanish-speaking patrons, but it is unclear if that is based on patron preference or a is marketing issue.

Share Your Thoughts
I attended the February REFORMA OR meeting to get input on the need for chat reference in Spanish. I'd love to get input from colleagues who were not able to attend the meeting as well. (Or additional feedback from those of you who were there!)

Please, send me your thoughts on the following questions:

  *   Is there a need in your community for virtual reference service in Spanish? Do you think that's a method of connecting with library help that your patrons would prefer?
  *   How would you prioritize this service compared to offering in person library help or outreach?
  *   Would you be interested in answering Spanish-language questions over chat if you had capacity?
  *   What other ideas do you have for how we might make this service more sustainable?

Lastly, a question came up about promotional materials for this service. I have attached an old Spanish language flyer about Answerland. Please let me know if something like this would be useful and any edits you might suggest. I was considering changing the bullet point about 24/7 availability to something that explains to people that if no one is available in the moment we will respond to them via email.

Thank you for your input! Also, please, don't hesitate to reach out with other questions or to let me know if there are ways I can support your work.

All the best,
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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