Abstract
As library service providers for distance learners, we are constantly searching for ways to improve communication, share our knowledge, and make distance learners aware of our resources. Virtual (real-time chat) reference is yet another tool to utilize in reaching these students. While virtual reference has been around for several years, and is offered by many libraries, the four institutions comprising
this service have taken a variety of paths to reach the current stage--a collaboration among academic state university libraries of varying size. This paper discusses collaboration aspects such as differences in institutional cultures, negotiations, planning and implementation, developing policies and best practices, staff training, technology issues, and lessons learned that can be applied to any collaborative project.

Frances is the Coordinator for the Digital Reference Services (e-mail and chat) at the University of Kansas Libraries since 2002. She is also responsible for collection development and faculty liaison in the subject areas of French and Italian literature, theatre arts and philosophy. She is a member of RUSA, as well as ACRL’s Distance Learning and Western European
Studies Sections.

Nancy is Coordinator for Distance Learning Information Services at the University of Kansas Libraries. She has worked in distance learning for 30 years, having established and administered a branch campus library for 25 of those years. In her current position, she provides information services for all distant learners associated with the university. She has been active in the Distance Learning Section of ACRL and has served as its chair. She is currently on the editorial board for the Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning and publishes widely in the field, especially on leadership, services, and collaboration.

Marcia is Assistant Professor/Education Librarian at Kansas State University. Marcia has provided reference and instruction services for distance students since she arrived at K-State in 2001. Prior to that, she worked with distance students and programs at a small liberal arts college. Her involvement with virtual reference service includes coordinating a standalone pilot project at K-State, implementation of a statewide service comprised of public and academic librarians, and a collaborative service with state universities.

Terri has been in charge of Distance Services at Emporia State University for many years. Now in her 19th year at ESU, she began as a reference librarian and through the years has held several positions in the libraries. ESU has been a leader in distance education in Kansas with a School of Library and Information Management program offering a distance education program for over 15 years. She has presented and published several papers and articles on subjects related to distance education services.

Beth is the Science Librarian/Associate Professor at Kansas State University. Beth has been involved with several virtual reference services since 2001 including the coordination of a pilot project at K-State, the implementation of a statewide service comprised of public and academic libraries, and a collaborative academic service. She has also been involved
in the coordination of library services to distance students at K-State.

Kansas University has 28,849 students. Kansas State University has 23,000 students. Emporia has 5,600 students.