Research on the cooperation model and management of the virtual reference service

The availability of information technology to create content in digital form, to digitize existing printed material and to distribute all these resources over computer networks has provoked a broad public debate over the role of public libraries. This paper seeks to examine existing collaborative VRS systems with a view to achieving collaboration. This paper studies existing collaborative VRS systems, and analyzes their methods and functions for achieving cooperation. Since the study is not based on an exhaustive list of CVRS systems and technologies are always developing, the cooperative models, methods and functions presented in this paper are possibly not complete and may need to be adjusted and amended. There is also urgent work to be done to advance and establish related standards and protocols for CVRS. The study is intended to help libraries to identify quickly the necessary elements and management for the design of a proper degree of CVRS or to develop or evaluate VRS systems.