Using Canned Messages in Virtual Reference Communication

ABSTRACT More and more libraries are providing virtual reference services for their users. Virtual technologies like e-mail, chat, and instant messaging allow reference librarians to create canned messages to potentially use in different reference situations. The ease and speed in which canned messages can be created is providing ready-made answers to a greater number of reference questions. This article will examine the opportunities and pitfalls of using canned messages in the virtual reference environment, and propose some principles for when to use canned messages in the context of the reference interview.