Join FEDLINK for a demonstration of QuestionPoint, a collaborative reference service developed by the Library of Congress and OCLC. The sessions will demonstrate QuestionPoint features, and will also provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of virtual reference service in the federal library environment. Two sessions will be held in the FEDLINK Training Room, Adams Building, Room 216. Tuesday, August 5, 2003 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2003 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please call (202)707-4800 to register for any of these sessions. Since space is limited, early registration is recommended. Call (202)707-6362 or contact [log in to unmask] for ADA requests. QuestionPoint is a collaborative reference service the Library of Congress and OCLC worked together to develop, with input from participating members of the Global Reference Network (a group of libraries and institutions worldwide that are committed to digital reference.) It enables libraries to: - Respond to, track and manage reference questions from patrons via the Web - Refer unanswered questions to other libraries in the library's cooperative as needed based on availability and expertise - Refer still-unanswered questions to expert resources through a global web-based network in which an automated "request manager" routes questions from one library to another, based on metadata about the question and predefined profiles of the collection, subject and staff strengths of members of the network, etc. - Provide libraries with tools to add simple links from any page in their library portal to support a locally branded and customizable question-asking service including: Web-based submission forms, email-based interaction, and live chat for their patrons. - Integrate QuestionPoint's global reference network with alternative service providers the library might be using to address their local needs. - Search a global knowledge base of previously asked and answered reference questions. Steven Kerchoff, FEDLINK Network Program Specialist FLICC/FEDLINK, Library of Congress Washington, DC 20540-4935 202-707-4848 (voice) 202-707-4873 (fax) [log in to unmask]