This group agreed to look at the practical aspects of 24x7 reference, including the technology and to put something forward in early 2001 for discussion. The Australasian libraries are currently looking at the operation of their own current email reference services and at structures and gaps in current virtual reference collections. Toronto, Nottingham and Queensland to build on the introductory paper and focus on the practical aspects of 24x7. Further paper to be discussed in early 2001. In some institutions specific courseware delivery mechanisms have been mandated for a variety of reasons and with varying degrees of support and agreement from academics.
Some institutions support locally developed products.
A range of these were discussed and it was agreed that the individual varieties have specific strengths and weaknesses but that no one software appears to suit all purposes. The Singapore IVLE has also been looked at in a number of institutions but is not generally regarded as a front-runner. There was also discussion of IMS and standards in general. Melbourne undertook to pass on an URL for a site listing current standards and actions in this area. McGill made the point that useful indicators should be linked with student outcomes.