Chat Reference and Chat Speak

by Rovner, Abigail J

The goals of this paper are first, to gauge the amount of chat speak (abbreviations, lack of punctuation or capitalization, etc.) and informal language used in Chat Reference interviews; second, to explore any problems or potential problems of chat speak and informal language; and third, to speculate on possible solutions to these problems. Instant Messaging is a communication form that developed its own style, including abbreviations and emoticons. Since Chat Reference is an adaptation of Instant Messaging, the chances of patrons and librarians using chat shorthand are high. This shorthand may hinder the effectiveness of Chat Reference. Transcripts from the University of Chapel Hill’s Davis Library (which includes librarians from Duke and North Carolina State University), along with those published in articles, will be used to explore for problems in communication. Instances of chat speak and informal language will be counted and analyzed for evident misunderstandings or other potential problems.