Virtual Reference (VR) tools are a useful means of allowing remote interaction between
librarians and library users. This paper focuses on the use of synchronous VR tools and their
potential for fostering information literacy. The use of chat software, co-browse and Second
Life was surveyed and follow-up interviews were undertaken. Conclusions: The three tools
investigated all have merits as ways of promoting information literacy within VR services at
the enquiry desk, with chat being the most popular because of its stable and user-friendly
nature, and the ease with which it can be integrated with other products such as blogs,
webpages and co-browse tools.