The iGS is the Helsinki City Library's virtual reference service. You can send your question on any subject through their web-page, and researchers will seek the answer.
"At the iGS - information Gas Station your questions are answered by reference
service professionals of the Helsinki City Library. The answer is sent to your e-mail and it is also saved in our archive. The questions will be answered in two weeks. If they cannot find an answer they will give you hints on where to look for one. In addition to the webservice iGS also has a mobile reference service unit, the Information Barrel, that you can visit on tour for example at malls or at different happenings."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Virtual Reference Service
- Opportunity to develop virtual reference services that provide quick and reliable answers to customer questions.
- Mobile Reference Service Unit
- Opportunity to create a mobile reference service unit that brings information services directly to customers at different locations.
- Archiving Customer Questions
- Opportunity to develop a system for archiving customer questions and answers for future reference and analysis.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Library Services
- Libraries can benefit from incorporating virtual and mobile reference services to improve customer experience.
- Online Search
- Companies providing online search services can leverage the iGS concept to improve their search algorithms and provide better search results.
- Information Technology
- Information technology companies can explore the use of artificial intelligence and natural language processing to automate and improve virtual reference services.
