Instant Messaging (IM) Chat Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is IM Chat?
2. Can I add LMU librarians to my buddy list?
3. What about SMS texting from my cell phone?
4. When is the IM Chat service available?
5. Who can use IM Chat?
6. What kinds of questions may I ask?
7. Is IM chat confidential?
1. What is IM Chat?
LMU reference librarians jointly staff our Instant Messenger (IM) chat service. When you visit our Get Help page and a librarian is online, a chat box will appear. Just input your question to initiate a session with the librarian! When LMU librarians are offline, the chat box will not appear, but you will be given a link to our 24-hour AJCU Virtual Reference service.
2. Can I add LMU librarians to my buddy list?
You can also add us to your buddy list. In MSN (Windows Live) Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, or Google Talk, you can add the user name lmurefhelp to your buddy list. When we're staffing IM, we will appear as online and you can send us a message with your question.
Each LMU reference librarian also has an his or her own chat account in MSN, Yahoo!, AIM and Google Talk. Visit an individual librarian's web page for a chat box that goes to them specifically, as well as a list of their user names on the various IM networks.
3. What about SMS texting from my cell phone?
In addition, you can also reach us through text message from your cell phone. Just text to 265-010. Start the message with lmurefhelp: followed by your question. A librarian will text you back as soon as possible.
4. When is the IM Chat service available?
With rare exceptions, LMU librarians will be available for IM from the Get Help! page between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. During other hours, IM may be staffed on an occasional basis. When there is no librarian available, you will be provided a link to our 24-hour AJCU Virtual Reference service.
5. Who can use IM Chat?
Our intended audience for this service is LMU students, faculty and staff.
6. What kinds of questions may I ask?
The service is intended to offer brief reference assistance. Those seeking more extensive research help might be asked to come to the information desk, or to set up an appointment with a librarian for an in-person research consultation.
7. Is IM chat confidential?
Each IM session is a private conversation between the patron and the librarian. Transcripts from IM Chat sessions may be saved for training and statistical purposes. However, all identifying information about you will be deleted. Our IM reference service is in compliance with the Library Privacy Policy.