CIRCULATION DESK
(814) 732-2273

IMALibrarian - Instant Messaging Reference Service
Contact: Prof. Elizabeth Richardson, Access Services Librarian (Room 110), 814-732-1066

Many times students are unable to get to the library to work with a librarian directly. Through instant messaging, you can now "speak" with a librarian to get the assistance you need. You may also wish to visit our Off-Site Library Services page and/print a copy of our Remote Access to Library Resources handout for additional tips and suggestions.

On AIM, our username is: BF Library

How is it different from email?
With email, you have to wait for the recipient of your message to get online, read your message, and respond.  With IM, the recipient of your message is logged-on at the same time you are and, as such, can respond immediately. 

What software do I need?
Because so many students use it and because it's available for free, we're currently using America Online's (AOL) Instant Messaging package - AIM.  There are two versions.  The complete AIM software package is a little more "sophisticated" and gives you more messaging options.  However, if you don't want to load the software or aren't able to, you can use the Web-accessible version known as AIM Express. 

Do I need a special computer or special hardware?
No. The only thing you need to have is internet access and access to the software as indicated above.

How do I get started?
With IM, everyone has an account name.  You will need to create a name for yourself along with a password.  When you access AIM, you will then be asked to log-in with this name and password.  It is suggested that you not use your own name or other identifying information (e.g. phone number) as part of your user name.  Likewise, because of the number of people using IM, don't be surprised if someone is already using the name you'd like to use. You might want to consider a basic name and then add an easy-to-remember sequence of numerals at the end to make yourself unique (e.g. doglover1234).

How do I contact a librarian?
Like you, the library has a unique IM username. The first time you IM a librarian, you will need to supply the name BF Library. After that, you can add us to your "buddy list" if you would like to make contacting us easier.

What else do I need to know?
There are any of a number of ways to learn how to use IM and otherwise IM experience.  Practice is the best way to learn.  But, Help and FAQ pages available at the AIM site and elsewhere on the internet are a great way to learn more as well.

When is the service available?
We refer to our IM Reference Assistance service as IMALibrarian.  Whenever classes are in session, the service is available whenever a librarian is on-duty as outlined in the table below.  If you are unable to reach a librarian or if you need assistance at another time, please stop by the Information Desk or call 814-732-2253.
 

What kinds of assistance can I get?
IM reference is really no different than the in-person services we provide.  As such, among other things, we can work with you on topic development, help you to identify some resources you might want to explore for information, provide basic instruction to help get you started, and, of course, answer questions you might have about a topic.

Who can get assistance?
Anyone with access to the internet and an AIM account can use this service. However, as with other networked services, IM is governed by numerous University policies as well as State and Federal laws.  With that in mind, we reserve the right to refuse service to individuals who use rude, offensive, or suggestive language, who repeatedly attempt to engage library faculty in personal rather than professional discussions, and/or who attempt to use this service in a way which violates any local, University, State, and/or Federal law or statute.  Please note that your online reference interaction may be logged for quality assurance.