Ask a Librarian - Instant Messaging (IM)
Make us your buddy! Get research assistance by Instant Messaging (IM) with one of our Reference Librarians! Just add the Library to your IM buddy or contact lists, and we'll help you find the information you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I IM the Library?
We're available to answer your questions via IM during regular library hours
(IM is not available on Fridays from 6-9 or on Sundays).
How do I IM the Library?
If you already have an IM account with AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, or MSN Messenger, add the Library's screen name to your buddy or contact list. Open a chat with us and ask your question.
If you don't have an IM account or IM software installed on your computer, you will have to download software and create an account with either AIM, Yahoo!, or MSN.
If you are unable or do not wish to download IM software, consider using one of the Web clients in the table above to create your IM account.
Once I IM the Library, how long will it take for me to get an answer?
In an instant, usually! While we expect to be able to immediately reply to your message, we will handle all incoming chats in the order we receive them. Patrons visiting the library in person will have priority. If you are unable to reach us via IM, or if you feel you have been waiting too long for a response, please contact us by phone at 937/433-8091, extension 2.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
Please ask the same kinds of research questions you would ask if you were visiting the library! The IM/chat environment is best suited to factual questions or short research questions that can be answered quickly and easily. Examples:
Do you have a copy of... (title of book, movie, CD, etc.)?
How do I access your catalog, databases, Digital Collection, etc.?
What's the population of... (city, township, state, country, world)?
What major world events happened on the day and year I was born?
What's the trade-in value of my car?
I need a phone number...
When did Hawaii become a state?
If your research question requires more time or clarification, we may ask to communicate with you by phone or email.
Staff will not answer questions about your Library Account through IM. Questions about the items you have checked out, fines, renewals, or other questions about your account may be asked using our online form.
Will my chat session be private and secure?
The Library does not save or log any IM chats. We will not publish or share your IM account name. IM, like email, is not a completely secure form of communication, so please do not use it to send confidential or sensitive information.
| IM Service | Screen Name | Web Client |
 |
askwclibrary | |
 |
askwclibrary | |
 |
askwclibrary@hotmail.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I IM the Library?
We're available to answer your questions via IM during regular library hours
(IM is not available on Fridays from 6-9 or on Sundays).
How do I IM the Library?
If you already have an IM account with AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, or MSN Messenger, add the Library's screen name to your buddy or contact list. Open a chat with us and ask your question.
If you don't have an IM account or IM software installed on your computer, you will have to download software and create an account with either AIM, Yahoo!, or MSN.
If you are unable or do not wish to download IM software, consider using one of the Web clients in the table above to create your IM account.
Once I IM the Library, how long will it take for me to get an answer?
In an instant, usually! While we expect to be able to immediately reply to your message, we will handle all incoming chats in the order we receive them. Patrons visiting the library in person will have priority. If you are unable to reach us via IM, or if you feel you have been waiting too long for a response, please contact us by phone at 937/433-8091, extension 2.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
Please ask the same kinds of research questions you would ask if you were visiting the library! The IM/chat environment is best suited to factual questions or short research questions that can be answered quickly and easily. Examples:
Do you have a copy of... (title of book, movie, CD, etc.)?
How do I access your catalog, databases, Digital Collection, etc.?
What's the population of... (city, township, state, country, world)?
What major world events happened on the day and year I was born?
What's the trade-in value of my car?
I need a phone number...
When did Hawaii become a state?
If your research question requires more time or clarification, we may ask to communicate with you by phone or email.
Staff will not answer questions about your Library Account through IM. Questions about the items you have checked out, fines, renewals, or other questions about your account may be asked using our online form.
Will my chat session be private and secure?
The Library does not save or log any IM chats. We will not publish or share your IM account name. IM, like email, is not a completely secure form of communication, so please do not use it to send confidential or sensitive information.