How does Ask a Librarian work?
You may contact us any time you have a research or library-related question, online with instant messaging (IM), by email, by phone, or in person.
Who staffs this service
Our service is staffed by librarians, staff and graduate assistants who work from the service desks in Watson and Anschutz libraries.
Who can use Ask a Librarian?
You may contact us at either "kulibrarian1" or "kulibrarian2" through AOL, Yahoo, MSN & Google Talk:
kulibrarian1 or kulibrarian2 ( AOL or Yahoo)
kulibrarian1@hotmail.com or kulibrarian2@hotmail.com (MSN)
kulibrarian1@gmail.com or kulibrarian2@gmail.com (Google Talk)
If you do not have an account with any of these providers, you may also type your question into the text box through the IM Guest Access.
When can I IM a librarian?
We are available to answer questions during the same hours that we provide reference service:
Reference service hours are:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
What kind of questions can I ask?
We will attempt to answer all of your questions. Keep in mind that if your question requires an in-depth response, you may be referred to another person or unit. You may be asked to e-mail a librarian or schedule a research consultation with a subject specialist .
How can I IM a librarian?
If you have an account through Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger or GoogleTalk installed on your computer, simply add "kulibrarian1" or "kulibrarian2" to your list of contacts or buddies.
You can open a new IM message, enter one of our contact names, "kulibrarian1" or "kulibrarian2", in the To: field, and start typing your message.
If you do not have an account through any of those providers, you may use the IM Guest Access.
What if I don't want to download any software OR I don't use IM.
If you do not wish to download and install an Instant Messenger service on your computer, you may use the IM Guest Access. This service allows you to chat without downloading any software. Simply begin typing your question in the box marked “Type here,” hit enter, and you will be chatting with library staff.
Will I need to wait to IM with a librarian?
Individuals who visit the libraries' service desks in-person have priority over IM users. IMs are taken in a first-come, first-served order. Since we staff the IM service from the service desks in Anschutz and Watson Libraries, we may be busy helping someone.
If you don't get an immediate IM reply please wait or feel free to contact us through additional reference services. You can e-mail your question, call Anschutz Library at (785) 864-4930 or Watson Library, (785) 864-3347, or visit one of the service desks for assistance in person.
Who am I talking to during my IM session?
You will be instant messaging with KU librarians and library staff during your session.
Where can I go to offer feedback about KU Libraries' IM service?
Let us know what you think through our Comments and Suggestions form.
Will a transcript of my IM session be saved?
Yes, transcripts of your IM session will be saved and reviewed by KU Librarians in order to improve our IM service. However, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our users. Information collected through IM will not be shared with any third parties.
Personal information will not be retained, stored, or shared.
The Ask a Librarian email service provides reference and information assistance for those who wish to contact us by email. Email is checked throughout each day during the work week (Monday through Friday). We will respond as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours of receipt of the question (excluding weekends and holidays). If extensive research is required, we will let you know that we are working on it and provide an approximate time frame.
Personal data is not collected. Transcripts will be kept strictly confidential and will be accessible only to authorized staff. It is the Libraries' intent to protect the privacy of each individual's intellectual investigations. Confidentiality of users' transactions with the Libraries - information concerning use of the Libraries' services and resources - will not be released except upon receipt of a lawfully issued subpoena, search warrant, or other judicial order.
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