5th through 9 th concurrent Intent of the Proposal Issues addressed include: the benefits and risks of implementing virtual reference services, resources that may be required for different service scenarios, and different staff competencies and expertise needed to support the service. Main outcomes from the proposal will be recommendations for OSU’s participation in consortia and how virtual reference can be integrated into current services. Benefits, Impacts & Risks Any changes in an organization’s service models are bound to have long -and short- term impacts on both customer and service providers. How is implementation of a virtual reference service likely to affect service providers at OSU University Libraries and their customers? Issue Statement Libraries across North America are implementing virtual reference services in order to enhance their ability to reach users who increasingly rely on web- based services. Oregon State University Libraries have been considering participation in various virtual reference consortial arrangements. In order to make a an effective decision, OSU is compelled to examine how to meet its users’ needs and contribute to consortial services. Intent of the Proposal Issues addressed include: the benefits and risks of implementing virtual reference services, resources that may be required for different service scenarios, and different staff competencies and expertise needed to support the service. Main outcomes from the proposal will be recommendations for OSU’s participation in consortia and how virtual reference can be integrated into current services. Benefits, Impacts & Risks Any changes in an organization’s service models are bound to have long -and short- term impacts on both customer and service providers. How is implementation of a virtual reference service likely to affect service providers at OSU University Libraries and their customers? 5th through 9 th concurrent Issue Statement Libraries across North America are implementing virtual reference services in order to enhance their ability to reach users who increasingly rely on web- based services. Oregon State University Libraries have been considering participation in various virtual reference consortial arrangements. In order to make a an effective decision, OSU is compelled to examine how to meet its users’ needs and contribute to consortial services. Intent of the Proposal Issues addressed include: the benefits and risks of implementing virtual reference services, resources that may be required for different service scenarios, and different staff competencies and expertise needed to support the service. Main outcomes from the proposal will be recommendations for OSU’s participation in consortia and how virtual reference can be integrated into current services. Benefits, Impacts & Risks Any changes in an organization’s service models are bound to have long -and short- term impacts on both customer and service providers. How is implementation of a virtual reference service likely to affect service providers at OSU University Libraries and their customers?