A lot of library folks have been talking a lot about Google Answers these days. In case you're not familiar, Google Answers is Google's new fee-for-answers service. Paid researchers search the Internet for answers to questions posted by individuals, who have specified how much they're willing to pay for an answer to their question.
Some details about the service...
Scope
Thanks to Gary Price who interviewed a Google spokesperson, we know the following:
"Q. What Types of Resources Can Be Used?
A: Researchers can use any publicly available resource to find an answer to a user's question. In most cases, the web would be the most efficient way to find information."
Q. I Asked Google about the use of Virtual Reference Desks (VRD) to answer questions. For example could a researcher submit an answer where a portion/all of the research was done by a VRD?
A: The responded by saying, "Researchers can use any publicly available resource to find an answer to a user's question. However, these virtual reference services are not likely the best resource for a Researcher because a Researcher has a limited amount of time to spend answering each question. If the question is not answered, it goes back into the queue for another Researcher to work on. Researchers work on one question at a time and can more quickly find an answer to a difficult question by conducting the intensive research themselves and synthesizing the answer for the user. So while virtual reference services can be used as resources, it is not likely that a Researcher would use those services for their research."
Q. What Type of Training Will Researchers Receive?
A: "Google Answers' training focuses on format and style of search and delivery (how to best present the answer). The Researchers that are hired will have previous searching experience and good communication skills."
Q. Would the answer, here are some citations I found via my library gain approval from an Editor?
A. Researchers are expected to answer the question and provide additional resources. If the library citations were included among online resources, this answer would be approved. While citations from a library may be helpful, Researchers must consider that a user may not have immediate access to a local library. Because questions to Google Answers are submitted online, web resources will most likely be utilized by the user."
Thanks again to Gary Price for that information.
Cost
From the Google Answers FAQ: "There is a non-refundable listing fee of $0.50 per question plus an additional 'price' you set for your question that reflects how much you're willing to pay for an answer. At present, that price can be as low as $4 or as high as $100. If you decide you are willing to pay more for an answer after setting your price, you can increase the amount anytime your question is not 'locked' (being actively worked on by a Researcher). You'll only be charged the price you set when and if your question is answered to your satisfaction. However, there is a non-refundable listing fee of $0.50 that is charged even if your question is not answered."
Some details about the service...
Scope
Thanks to Gary Price who interviewed a Google spokesperson, we know the following:
"Q. What Types of Resources Can Be Used?
A: Researchers can use any publicly available resource to find an answer to a user's question. In most cases, the web would be the most efficient way to find information."
Q. I Asked Google about the use of Virtual Reference Desks (VRD) to answer questions. For example could a researcher submit an answer where a portion/all of the research was done by a VRD?
A: The responded by saying, "Researchers can use any publicly available resource to find an answer to a user's question. However, these virtual reference services are not likely the best resource for a Researcher because a Researcher has a limited amount of time to spend answering each question. If the question is not answered, it goes back into the queue for another Researcher to work on. Researchers work on one question at a time and can more quickly find an answer to a difficult question by conducting the intensive research themselves and synthesizing the answer for the user. So while virtual reference services can be used as resources, it is not likely that a Researcher would use those services for their research."
Q. What Type of Training Will Researchers Receive?
A: "Google Answers' training focuses on format and style of search and delivery (how to best present the answer). The Researchers that are hired will have previous searching experience and good communication skills."
Q. Would the answer, here are some citations I found via my library gain approval from an Editor?
A. Researchers are expected to answer the question and provide additional resources. If the library citations were included among online resources, this answer would be approved. While citations from a library may be helpful, Researchers must consider that a user may not have immediate access to a local library. Because questions to Google Answers are submitted online, web resources will most likely be utilized by the user."
Thanks again to Gary Price for that information.
Cost
From the Google Answers FAQ: "There is a non-refundable listing fee of $0.50 per question plus an additional 'price' you set for your question that reflects how much you're willing to pay for an answer. At present, that price can be as low as $4 or as high as $100. If you decide you are willing to pay more for an answer after setting your price, you can increase the amount anytime your question is not 'locked' (being actively worked on by a Researcher). You'll only be charged the price you set when and if your question is answered to your satisfaction. However, there is a non-refundable listing fee of $0.50 that is charged even if your question is not answered."
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