“Ask the Internet Librarian!” Introducing LibinfO, the online information service of Hungarian libraries Presented by Kristóf Iványi

Overview Introduction Short history How does LibinfO work? Operational flowchart Technical background From question to answer Aims and plans for the future

Introduction LibinfO: The Online Information Service of Hungarian Libraries Providing answers to library related questions Inquirers: anybody with an Internet connection and an account Answerers: reference librarians and information specialists across Hungary working together in a consortium

History 1999: initiated by István Moldován and László Drótos, the MIT-HOL begins its service January 2001: the service operates within MEK (Hungarian Electronic Library) February 2001: the service is taken over by the National Széchényi Library’s Reference Service August 2001: an agreement to expand the service November 2001: the Consortium contract is signed LibInfO is established (Librarian’s Information Online) June 2003: updated, web-based service is launched

Members of the Consortium 1. County libraries 2. University libraries 3. Special libraries 4. Private individuals 5. National Széchényi Library (moderator) The service currently has 124 members Task: recruiting new members and enhancing cooperation with current members

Inquirer LIBINFO CENTRE MODERATOR AUTOMATIC RESPONSE DIRECT ANSWER FORWARDING QUESTION TO SPECIALIST LIBRARIANS SPECIALIST LIBRARIANS ANSWER ARCHIVES DATABASE STATISTICS ANSWER OF SPECIALIST LIBRARIAN MODERATED ANSWER SEND THE QUESTION How LibInfO works

Technical background Operates on databases: incoming questions all incoming answers archives (questions and answers) link collection list of participating librarian s Programming: PHP4 Allows for specific queries to be made Runs on separate server from database The system can be reached from any computer with Internet connection

System features Automatic response Final answer within 2 working days Answers can be checked on-line: address and question number Attached files: Moderator saves them to a separate part of server URL given in answer Inquirer can download the file to his or her PC Documents are removed after 1 month

Question analysis Typical questions: Thesis materials Location of specific document(s) (library or online) Genealogical enquiries (from abroad as well) Library science Quotations (looking for author and source of a quotation) Other types: Personal interests Questions connected to workplace issues

Answer analysis Typical answers: Factual: giving a specific answer Bibliography: a select list of works to be consulted in a subject area Source location: giving the exact location of a specific document (library or online) Document providing: sending materials in digitised form Directing inquirers to other (specialised) institutions We do not: Give advice in legal or medical issues Decide an argument or give our personal opinions in any subject matter Deal with issues that might involve (or incite) racial, religious or sexual discrimination

Questions and answers in 2003

Archives More than 15,000 entries Questions and all answers (personal data removed) Search by: Date Keyword Subject index

Aim of LibInfO: to secure access to information to satisfy the needs of the knowledge society to spread information to provide access to e-documents to develop digital communication to bridge gaps between information poor and information rich areas

From information service to content providing – the future of LibinfO Contributing to Internet content by providing access to digital documents: –Creating and storing digital documents (scanner, digital camera) – primarily articles and parts of documents –Collecting and archiving previously digitised documents (from the Internet or library sources) –Setting up and managing a database of digital documents

Thank you for your attention! For further information please visit the LibinfO homepage: