Policies Detail

Instant Messaging Reference Service

It is now possible to obtain research assistance via our Instant Messaging (IM) Reference Service.

For science related questions, including the life and physical sciences, engineering, nursing and allied health, please contact the Science & Technology Library. For all other questions, including general information, education, business, social science, and the arts and humanities, please contact Bierce Library.

When this service is offline you may contact librarians at KnowItNow.

Getting Started with IM

What if there is no chat software on my computer?

If you do not currently subscribe to one of the IM services we accept just click on one of the Web Client links (AIM, MSN, Yahoo) and download the IM software from that client. If you already have a screen name from one of the above services, but are using a computer other than your own, you may IM with us using the Web Client Meebo from any Web page where it is displayed.

Who can use IM?

This service is intended primarily for University of Akron students, faculty, and staff, but questions from other users are welcome. Non-UA library users within the local community are encouraged to use the ASCPL Ask-a-Librarian service at the Akron-Summit County Public Library or the KnowItNow statewide 24/7 live online reference service.

What kinds of questions can I ask?

IM is best used for brief, factual questions, but can also be used for more in-depth research assistance as long as the response or explanation isn’t too complex. IM is not a good format to conduct an extensive search for articles. For in-depth information we may suggest that you come into the library or contact the appropriate Subject Librarian via e-mail. The subject librarian will provide timely responses and may suggest an appointment for one-on-one research consultation.

Suggested uses of IM include:

• To determine which article database is most appropriate for your research
• To locate books or articles on a topic
• To obtain help in locating something on our web pages
• To find out whether or not we have a book or journal
• get suggestions for keywords to use in your article search

If you wish to:

• Renew a book; you can do this online at View Your Record and Renew Materials
• Ask for help with your library PIN; you can obtain help at Help Using Your Library PIN
• Ask questions about overdue fines; for these contact the Circulation Department at (330) 972-5355
• Check the status of an interlibrary loan; to do this use the ILLiad system
• Connect to Online Resources from Home, please follow these instructions

Inappropriate Behavior in E-mail, Chat, and IM

The library professsionals providing this service are University of Akron employees. Please exercise good judgment by using this service in a sincere and professional manner. We reserve the right to terminate an IM session when we have judged behavior and/or language to be inappropriate. The Library's Acceptable Behavior Policy applies to all online interactions with library employees.

What about privacy?

The University Libraries respects the privacy of users, but as with any information that is transmitted electronically, we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of IM transactions. IM sessions are routinely logged for statistical purposes only and discarded at the end of each semester.