Virtual Reference Collection: Process of Development and Maintenance in a Team Environment

During the past year, the UC-Irvine Libraries has developed a web based virtual reference collection. This process brought together librarians representing multidisciplines to create a "ready reference-like" homepage to make available reference information by means of remote access. The issues of design, intellectual content and continuing evaluation and maintenance are discussed. This project was developed in the context of a team-based environment and the advantages and problems of teambuilding practices contributed to how the project evolved. The leadership and decisionmaking role of the UCI Libraries in mounting and providing such resources was enhanced in the academic community. Demonstration of the product is planned.