Congratulations this month go to Librarian30 (Columbus Metropolitan Library) and ad.ian (AfterDark librarian). Fellow providers, if you haven't looked at the patron survey comments which are posted on the KnowItNow24x7 Provider Site, spend a few minutes there and then pat yourself on the back.

For some reason, the patron of Columbus Metro's Librarian30 was unable to access a long URL that was shared with them. Librarian30 did some quick thinking and used tinyurl.com to shorten the web address and provide that to the patron. This is a great reminder to use *all* available tools at your disposal as a reference librarian.

AfterDark librarian ad.ian did a wonderful job of helping out a patron who wanted to make a case for convincing his family to get a dog and did a great job supplying authoritative resources. The patron was appreciative within the session itself and also supplied the following comment on their survey: "I love this chat program! It is easy and convinent to use!Whenever I have a question, I always go here! Also most of the librarians seem intrested to help,and very nice. This service is truly amazing!"

The QuACK Committee has not attempted to do a comprehensive review of all transcripts. We have chosen examples of excellent work in order to show appreciation for participating librarians and learn from them.

The Committee welcomes your comments about the transcripts or the blog and is interested in hearing from you if you find the featured transcripts useful in your reference work, whether virtual or face-to-face. Send an email to the QuACK Chairperson, Cheryl Lubow, at CLUBOW@sloma.state.oh.us, or post to the blog.

Sincerely,
QuACK (Quality Assurance Committee for KnowItNow24x7)

Librarian30's transcript
14:06:40 Guest Trying to find the number of people with hearing impairment in Ohio? Franklin County? or Columbus area? Thank you.
14:06:47 librarian30 Hello. You've connected to your 24x7 online reference service staffed by librarians across the state. Please wait one moment while I take a look at your question.
14:07:21 librarian30 Hi, Cindy, that sounds like an interesting question. Let me take a look.
14:08:12 Guest Thank you.
14:09:15 librarian30 You're welcome! Thanks for your patience. Sill looking.
14:12:17 librarian30 So far, I'm only see some general statistics, like this:
14:12:19 librarian30 http://www.pascenter.org/state_based_stats/state_statistics_2005.php?state=ohio
14:12:28 librarian30 It seems hard to find this data.
14:12:34 librarian30 Still trying.
14:14:24 Guest Thank you so much. I have made calls, internet and then thought of you!
14:14:53 librarian30 You're welcome! I believe we've had trouble locating this figure before also.
14:15:32 librarian30 Here's an interesting FAQ from Gallaudet University:
14:15:34 librarian30 http://library.gallaudet.edu/Library/Deaf_Research_Help/Frequently_Asked_Questions_(FAQs)/Statistics_on_Deafness/Deaf_Population_of_the_United_States.html
14:18:11 Guest Hmmn can not access last link - I will try another way. :-)
14:18:20 librarian30 I'm having trouble with it, too.
14:18:33 librarian30 Gallaudet does have a good page of Census estimates for states.
14:18:46 librarian30 I'll see if I can figure out how to link to it. Just a moment.
14:19:46 librarian30 http://library.gallaudet.edu/Library/Deaf_Research_Help/Frequently_Asked_Questions_(FAQs)/Statistics_on_Deafness/Deaf_Population_of_Individual_States_Territories_and_Localities.html
14:20:44 librarian30 Does this link work?
14:21:26 Guest No. but it is okay - I will go directly to Gallaudet. Thank you for your assistance. We are working on E-911 in our county and we need to consider this population.
14:21:35 Guest Happy Holidays!
14:21:50 librarian30 I can see if I can shorten the URL for you if you want to wait a moment.
14:22:05 Guest Ok, thank you.
14:22:25 librarian30 http://tinyurl.com/ygqhjpk
14:22:50 Guest Thank You! :-)
14:23:03 librarian30 You're welcome! Does the tinyurl work OK?
14:23:11 librarian30 Happy holidays to you also!
14:23:12 Guest Yes
14:23:18 Guest Take Care1
14:23:18 librarian30 Great!
14:23:28 librarian30 You take care also, and thanks for visiting us.

ad.ian's transcript
17:43:03 Guest I am trying to convince my parents to get me a puppy, a chocolate Lab, can you find me a website that is safe and has no scams? Also the owners have to live in Ohio so it will be easy to pickup.
17:43:15 ad.ian Hello. You've connected to your 24x7 online reference service staffed by librarians across the state. Please wait one moment while I take a look at your question.
17:43:24 Guest Hello
17:44:49 Guest Sorry it is a long question.:-(
17:44:56 ad.ian http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm
17:45:11 ad.ian Here is information about the breed to help convince.
17:45:23 Guest Thank u!
17:45:38 Guest Do u happen to have anymore?
17:48:07 Guest Are you there?
17:48:24 ad.ian Yes. Sorry I'm helping several at once.
17:48:39 ad.ian You are also looking for a breeder, correct.
17:48:57 Guest Yes
17:49:14 Guest Correct
17:49:47 ad.ian lhttp://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/
17:49:57 ad.ian Here is the American Kennel Club page.
17:50:24 Guest Thank you so much! These shall help.
17:50:56 ad.ian http://www.thelabradorclub.com/ Here is the breed club there is a link to breeders at the top.
17:51:23 Guest Thanks again! They helped alot! Have a good day!
17:51:42 ad.ian You too!
17:51:49 ad.ian Thanks for using our service. Come back again if you need help with another question.
17:51:54 Guest Bye!;-)
17:52:03 Guest See you again soon!