With this integration, which does require that the institution to be a subscriber to both products, PowerNotes users are able to launch a live LibChat experience, powered by Springshare’s LibAnswers platform, right from their PowerNotes browser plugin or the PowerNotes project outline screen. When students are working on a research project or writing a paper, assistance from a librarian is now just a click away.
PowerNotes’ direct connection to LibChat makes it easy for patrons at PowerNotes partner schools to ask questions and get help from a librarian when they're doing research. This direct link to a research librarian at their institution ensures that patrons find trusted resources and accurate help. It embeds the library in students’ research processes.
Students can highlight a section of an article, type their notes about the article and organize articles relevant to their research project. When they save content, PowerNotes automatically generates a citation for their works cited page. They can search their notes and ask for help with finding additional citations. If their library subscribes to LibAnswers 24/7/365 Chat Cooperative, they can get help outside of their home library’s normal working hours. All this happens without the need to navigate any library-owned website to start live chat.
Videos showing the research process using Powernotes on the Sprinshare LibAnswers platform are embedded in a Springshare blog post.
Going forward, Springshare plans more integration with other Springshare prooducts, such as LibGuides and LibCal. The full press release is here.