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A Comparative Study of Foreign Digital Reference Service and Social Q&A Service 

Deng Shengli, Yang Lina   

  • Online:2016-01-15 Published:2016-01-25

Abstract:

There appear increasing use of Social Q&A (SQA) and declining Virtual Reference(VR) service transactions in foreign countries. Base on the related literature review, this paper explored the competition and challenge the VR services are facing in the changing environment, user reference need and environment change in the VR services. User perception of VR service and SQA as well as users’ preference and satisfaction with VR was also elaborated in the paper. Finally, by comparing the relationship between SQA and VR service, the feasibility of VR service cooperating with the SQA in the new environment was discussed.

Key words: Virtual reference services, Social Q&A, User perception, Comparison