Curriculum Resources Center Instant Messenger

User Guidelines for Instant Messaging Reference Service • What is Instant Messaging (IM) Reference? • I have never used IM. Where do I start? • Will a librarian answer right away or will I have to wait? • How can I tell if a libraran is available to IM? • What are the hours for the IM service? • Who may use this service? • What type of questions can I ask? • Can you send me a file (e.g. a full-text article)? • Does the library save my instant messages? • What are your privacy policies? • Code of Conduct

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What is Instant Messaging (IM) Reference?

IM Reference is used in the same way as other programs that provide instant messaging services, but IM Reference is used specifically to communicate with a reference librarian at the CRC.

I have never used IM. Where do I start?

Simply type a question in the meebo widget (message box) on the IM Reference page and press enter. If you prefer to use a different IM client, you can send a message using one of CRC ’s following screen names.

	Service	CRC Screen Name
	AOL Instant Messenger	WashburnCRC
	Yahoo! Messenger	WashburnCRC
	Windows Live (MSN) Messenger	WashburnCRC@hotmail.com
	ICQ	473241033
	Google Talk	WashburnCRC@gmail.com

Will a librarian answer right away or will I have to wait?

Your IM session connects you with the librarian at the Reference Desk. Because the librarian may also be helping users in person and on the phone, you may have to wait a couple of minutes for a response. Questions are answered in the order received.

How can I tell if a librarian is available to IM?

Be sure to note our status on the IM widget. If you don’t get an immediate reply, call (785) 670-1436 or toll free (800) 736-9060, send an email to refemail@washburn.edu, or stop by the Reference Desk.

What are the hours for the IM service?

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Who may use this service?

The service is available to Washburn University students, faculty, and staff, or individuals requesting information about resources unique to Washburn University.

What types of questions can I ask?

This service is intended to offer assistance using the library and its resources. It works most efficiently when patrons ask factual or brief research questions.

Can you send me a file (e.g. a full-text article)?

Not via the IM service, but we can include links to articles or Web pages in messages.

Does the library save my instant messages?

The Library temporarily stores instant messages in order to compile statistics and write reports. All personal information is stripped from instant messages before they are archived.

What are your privacy policies?

The same privacy policies that apply to other reference transactions (e.g. e-mail, phone, at the reference desk) apply to the IM Reference service.

Code of Conduct

Repeated misuse of this service as defined by Washburn University’s Cyberspace Citizen Code will result in the patron being banned from further use of this service.