R.B. House Undergraduate Library is offering assistance through AOL Instant Messenger

Now students can add the name undergradref to their IM buddy list in order to get real-time answers to their library or research questions.

The Undergraduate Library reference staff will continue the use of AOL Instant Messenger to offer reference services to library users.

This instant messaging project was conceived by observing students' computer use in the library. Students are often reluctant to give up their workstations to seek help and they already use AIM from library workstations to communicate with their friends. Because so many students are already familiar with instant messaging and use AIM in the library, staff felt that it offered one more avenue for students to easily get assistance.

To use the program, users can download the AOL Instant Messenger software onto their home computers or use AIM Express from their web browser. Computers in the library have an AIM Express icon that will link to the new IM reference service.

Instant messaging reference is available during the hours in which the reference desk is open, Monday-Thursday 9am - 10pm; Friday 9am - 5pm; and Sunday 1pm - 10pm during the Fall and Spring semesters. IM users may be asked to wait or email their questions if there is a line of in-person patrons at the reference desk. Please contact Suchi Mohanty with any questions.