Members present: Carol Cramer, Jeanne Crisp, Michele Hayslett, Mark Pumphrey, Lisa Roberts, Linda Stone, Carol Tobin and Vicki Weavil; Susan Herzog and Russ Bailey were present until 2:00 pm. Special guests Ralph Kaplan of NC LIVE and Sherrie Antonowicz of the Greensboro Public Library were present.

Absent: Phil Blank, Josh Boyer, Robert Burgin, David Durant, David Fergusson and Laura Gorham were absent.

Meeting was called to order by Jeanne Crisp at 10:15.

Discussion of RFI Responses from VR Software Vendors
Sherrie Antonowicz, Information Services Manager at the Greensboro Public Library, described her library’s experience with QuestionPoint, the virtual reference service provided jointly by OCLC and the Library of Congress. Said experience has been generally positive with a few minor glitches. The VRAC discussed the merits of the responses to the Request for Information. Several products lacked critical functionality such as co-browsing or required a plugin download by the patron in order to be fully functional. Three vendors were identified as promising.

Testing
Discussion of testing issues followed, including what to test and possible factors that could be used to differentiate software products. Demonstrations for the VRAC were requested for informational purposes prior to the initiation of software testing so that Committee members will be familiar with both the librarian’s and patron’s views of the three softwares. The testing sub-committee will continue discussions about the best way to proceed with tests of the software products.

Web Site Development
Carol Cramer, on behalf of the (mostly absent) web development subcommittee, presented various options for configuring the entry-point web page for the project. Discussion of issues followed, including the chilling effect of any (and how many) questions on prospective users; the importance of gathering certain information for copyright and research purposes; possible information collection points (pre- and post-chat surveys); the importance of the clarity of questions from the user’s perspective; and alternative (and automatic) ways of gathering data about users (e.g., in the course of each chat, or referring page analysis). Conclusions were that a user’s zip code and perspective (elementary/secondary school student, college student, public library user, etc.) should be queried prior to connection to the service. We may survey other consortia to see if any are using a drop-down list to request users indicate their main local library, but we will not ask this question pre-chat since a drop-down list could be intimidating or confusing and a text box invites answers that could confuse us. A drop-list may be included on a post-chat survey if we decide to use one. It was emphasized that this is a pilot project and that decisions made now may change later on as the project evolves.

Partner Invitation
The VRAC reviewed a draft of the grant information to be sent to all libraries. Suggestions were made to clarify points and elicit important information. A suggestion was made to have a few library staff who participated in the December 2001 all-state virtual meeting look over the grant information for clarity.

An additional incentive for a library to participate as a partner might be the chance to obtain a discounted price on additional seats for sole use by partner library. This option will be investigated.

New Member
Sherrie Antonowicz from Greensboro Public Library accepted an invitation to become a member of the Advisory Committee.

Next Meeting
September 23, 25, or 27; to be determined through polling committee members.

Notes by: Michele Hayslett