Telemedicine for Researchers:
Creating a Virtual Reading Room Service
Workshop | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | 11:00am – 12:30pm EST
Due to Covid-19, The Huntington Library closed its reading rooms to researchers. After several months of closure with no opening date on the horizon, longtime and new researchers began inquiring about access to the collections. As a Special Collections library, our mission is to support primary research, therefore the Reader Services staff created a new pilot service called the “Virtual Reading Room.” This service allows all researchers to gain access to our rare materials remotely through a high-resolution document camera. Since its official launch in October 2020, researchers have made over 70 “visits.” During our interactive presentation, we will take attendees through the multiphase process of designing a Virtual Reading Room, which will discuss its creation, management, access, limitations, tips, feedback, and the overall future of this service. The presentation will incorporate a live demonstration of the document camera to give attendees the experience of a virtual reading room visit.
Presenters: Stephanie Arias & Karina Sanchez
Karina Sanchez is the Reader Services Coordinator at The Huntington Library. She helped in the development of the Virtual Reading Room, and currently managing it. She is also in UCLA’S MLIS program, hoping to become a librarian.
Stephanie Arias is the Reference Services Manager in Reader Services Department at The Huntington Library. Stephanie assisted in developing The Huntington’s “Virtual Reading Room” service, and she enjoys finding ways to enhance library users’ experiences both remotely and in person.