Abstract

Author(s): KIRAN KUMAR KOLTHURI

The paper introduces the concept of Virtual Reference Service (VRS) in academic libraries. The survey investigates into the state of VRS in the libraries of premier educational institutions, the IIMs and IITs in India. The study reveals that although a remarkable advancement in the automation and electronic access to information has been achieved in these libraries, there is a long way ahead to march towards the establishment of standard VRS at par with similar institutions in developed countries.