
Reference Service is an important personalized service in the library and information centers. Traditionally, it is a one-to-one service provided by the reference librarian to users. But the present epoch is being transformed by the technology. Thus, with the progression of shifting technology the approaches of providing reference service in the libraries are gradually changing. Nowadays it is offered to the user in a fresh and more developed form called as "virtual reference service", also known as "digital reference service" Mahrana & Panda, n. d.. Virtual reference is reference service commenced by electronic means where patrons employ technology a computer or any other form to communicate with the professionals without being physically present. The modes of communication often used in virtual reference include e-mail, instant messaging, chat, Voice-over-IP, videoconferencing, co-browsing etc. RUSA, 2010. Virtual Reference Services VRS have high user satisfaction Mu, Dimitroff, Jordan, & Burclaff, 2011. As libraries make more digital resources available over the web, virtual reference traffic is consequently expected to increase. According to Gray 2000a more internet use is equal to more Virtual reference traffic. The present article aims to discuss the concept of Virtual Reference Services in contemporary libraries. It also assesses nascent modes of providing quality Virtual Reference Services. Further the chapter also discusses reputed Virtual Reference systems of select online Libraries.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 10 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
