The announcement was made on the web site today that the service is ending at the end of the year. It also states "discussions are ongoing regarding future plans for a new service." If readers of NJITBRUCE search this blog under QANDANJ they will find many comments that I have made over the years about specific reference questions and chat reference in general. I have mixed feelings about its demise. I have fielded many challenging questions through this service, but many of the patrons were disrespectful as they posed nuisance questions and often demanded an instant answer to a difficult question.
Michael Maziekien, the chair of the NJLA Taskforce on Virtual Reference reports that they are looking into other services and possible funding sources to continue chat reference. It is obvious that there will be a gap in statewide service.
I would be interested in participating in a new service as long as NJIT does not have to incur a cost. Over the years very few NJIT students accessed QANDANJ.
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