Have you ever needed an immediate answer or explanation from a librarian, but had to settle for the turnaround time of an e-mail? Are you working from home, but a new research database has you stumped? Wonder whether the problem with the e-journal is with your computer or at the vendor's end? The library staff is working to meet your changing information needs.
For about a year, the Libraries have offered a "chat" type reference service, staffed usually during regular workday hours, in which you can ask your questions and receive the librarian's replies, in much the same way you "chat" with friends and family.
This fall, we will upgrade this service to include the ability to co-browse and "share" web pages. This means that in addition to the regular "chat" functions, you and the librarian will be able to "see" the same web page or any other electronic file. You can show her/him the search screen with the keywords you are trying to find. He/she can show you a help screen or the web page of a better database to use.
The technology is based on the on-line interactive help center applications currently being used by many e-commerce sites, but we've tailored it to meet the special information needs of our academic community. needs of our academic community.
Although the service will initially be available only during scheduled hours, we are collaborating with other research libraries, both U.S. and international, to eventually bring you a reference service that will truly be 24x7.
To use this service, look for the eReference link on the RensSearch webpage.
Go to the table of contents.
Go to the Kiosk homepage.