The University of Kansas Libraries

About the Ask a Librarian Service @ KU Libraries

How does Ask a Librarian work?
You may contact us any time you have a research or library-related question by phone, text, IM, email, or in person.

Who staffs this service?
Our service is staffed by librarians, staff and graduate assistants who work at the service desks located in Anschutz and Watson libraries.
 
Who can use Ask a Librarian?
This service is intended primarily for KU students, faculty, and staff, but questions about the libraries' collections and services are welcome.

When is this service available?
This service is available during normal service desk hours of Anschutz and Watson libraries.

Instant Messaging @ KU Libraries

How can I IM a librarian?
If you have an account through Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger or GoogleTalk installed on your computer, simply add "kulibrarian1" or "kulibrarian2" to your list of contacts or buddies.
OR
You can just type your question in the AIM box that indicates when “kulibrarian1” is online.

What kind of questions can I ask?
We will attempt to answer all of your questions. Keep in mind that if your question requires an in-depth response, you may be referred to another person or unit in order to answer your question. You may be asked to e-mail a librarian or schedule a research consultation with a subject librarian.

Will I need to wait to IM with the librarian?
Patrons who visit the libraries' service desks in-person have priority over IM patrons. IM patrons are taken in a first-come, first-served order and we make every effort to answer questions as quickly as possible. If you don't get an immediate IM reply please wait or feel free to contact us through additional reference services. You can e-mail your question, call Anschutz Library at (785) 864-4930 or Watson Library, (785) 864-3347, or visit one of the service desks in-person for assistance.

Where can I go to offer feedback about KU Libraries' IM service?
Let us know what you think through our Comments and Suggestions form.

Will a transcript of my IM session be saved?
Yes, transcripts of your IM session will be saved and reviewed by KU librarians in order to improve our IM service. However, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our users. Information collected through IM will not be shared with any third parties. Personal information collected through IM will be periodically purged.

Ask a Librarian Texting/SMS Service

Text us at 785-227-0934.

Your standard text charges apply.

Ask a Librarian Email Service

The Ask a Librarian Email service provides reference and information assistance for those who wish to contact us by email.  Reference email is checked throughout each day during the work week (Monday through Friday).  We will respond as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours of receipt of the question (excluding weekends and holidays). If extensive research is required, we will let you know that we are working on it and provide an approximate time frame.

Privacy Statement

Personal data and transcripts will be kept strictly confidential and will be accessible only to authorized staff. It is the Libraries' intent to protect the privacy of each individual's intellectual investigations. Confidentiality of users' transactions with the Libraries - information concerning use of the Libraries' services and resources - will not be released except upon receipt of a lawfully issued subpoena, search warrant, or other judicial order.

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