Even an ocean away: developing Skype‐based reference for students studying abroad Available to Purchase

The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of a Skype‐based, study abroad reference service.

The paper discusses the criteria used for technology and situates the project in the literature on study abroad reference services.

Using Skype, a free video‐conferencing software, allows librarians to offer reference services to study abroad students effectively, easily, and without new technologies or significant cost.

The paper offers other librarians strategies for developing and launching similar programs and shares challenges encountered to prepare librarians for success in their own projects.