About Syracuse University Library’s Instant Messenger Service

 

Goal

The goal of our IM reference service is to provide SU users with an easily accessible, customer friendly, off site option for basic research assistance.  Our IM reference service is one of several ways our patrons can contact us for help.  Additional options are discussed at http://library.syr.edu/information/reference/index.html

 

Setting up an IM Account

You can set up your own personal IM account by visiting any of the below URLs for AIM, Yahoo, and MSN IM accounts.  You can then contact the Library for assistance using our screen name SULibraryHelp.

http://aim.aol.com/

http://messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php

http://get.live.com/messenger/overview

Hours and Staffing

This service is staffed predominantly by librarians during our daytime hours, with a few library technicians also assisting during this time.  Evening and weekend hours are staff by trained library technicians.  During most of the hours of service a librarian is available alongside our paraprofessionals for further assistance if needed.

 

Use Note

IM Reference is intended for students, faculty and staff of Syracuse University. If you are not affiliated with SU, we will reply to your inquiry if it relates to the University or to a resource unique to the Syracuse University Libraries. Otherwise, non-affiliated users may wish to connect to the Onondaga County Public Library for assistance.

 

Questions We Can Answer

IM Reference should be used for simple reference questions, such as how to get started on a research topic, library policies, library holdings, and library services.  In depth reference assistance is provided in person, via telephone, or by appointment with a subject librarian specialist.

 

Disclaimer

Chat logs of this service are kept by the instant messaging service provider and Syracuse University Library.  Syracuse University Library retains logs for training and research purposes, and purges the information on a yearly basis.  If you do not want a copy of your library transaction to be logged, you should not use this service.