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Instant Messaging Images

Welcome to Instant Messaging

 

Have an IM account? IM the Library!
Try our new Instant Messaging service!

Our screen name is *acclibrarian* at AOL/AIM, Google Talk, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. Add us to your buddy list!

acclibrarian Hours:

  • Monday-Friday     8:00am - 8:30pm
  • Saturday    9:00am - 4:30pm
  • Sunday      12:00pm - 5:30pm

Note: Hours May Vary Depending on Schedules

Privacy policy: In order to evaluate the service we may examine the content of our interaction with you for questions and answers. This information is used to help analyze the amount and types of questions we are being asked, help determine staffing levels, and help retain librarians and staff for the service. This information will be used anonymously. All identifying information will be removed from the message before we perform transcript evaluations.

Q: What is IM or Instant Messaging?

A:  IM or instant messaging is a text-based, real-time, online communication between two or more people. AOL, GoogleTalk, MSN, and Yahoo are the most popular IM services.

IM is for brief communications, generally under ten minutes. For inquiries requiring more time, librarians may ask that a session be continued by phone, email, or in person.

Q: How do I chat with my IM account?

A:  AIM GoogleTalk, Meebo, MSN, and Yahoo users:

  • Add our screen name to your contact list
  • Open a chat window and type your question
A librarian will respond shortly. If we're unavailable or don't respond, please try back later or ask your question in person, through chat, by email (library@austincc.edu), or call us (CYP 223-2037; EVC 223-5116, NRG 223-4744, PIN 223-8150, RGC 223-3068, RRC 223-0105, RVS 223-6005, SAC 223-9181).

If the computer you are using does not have your preferred IM software, you can access it through meebo (www.meebo.com), a web based IM service.

Q: I don't use IM. How can I get started?

A:  New users can get started by signing up for a screen name at meebo (www.meebo.com) which lets you use multiple IM services without downloading or installing anything.

If you'd rather not sign up for an IM account, please take advantage of our Chat Live with a Reference Librarian service. Just click and type. It's that easy!!

If you are new to Instant Messaging, please visit the link below for information about IM
http://netforbeginners.about.com/od/instantmessaging/a/im_explained.htm

Q: When are librarians online?

A:  See the hours listed at the top. If we're unavailable via IM, contact us by chat, by email (library@austincc.edu) or call us (CYP 223-2037; EVC 223-5116, NRG 223-4744, PIN 223-8150, RGC 223-3068, RRC 223-0105, RVS 223-6005, SAC 223-9181).

Q: What kinds of questions do you answer?

A:  Good question!! Here are some of the questions we've answered in the past. Btw, we do not provide legal or medical advice.

  • How do I get to the Opposing Viewpoints database?
  • How do I renew a book online?
  • I am trying to research Pope Pius XII and his connection to Hitler. Any ideas?
  • How do I access the Info Game?
  • How do I locate peer review journals about the Sin Nombre Virus?
  • I am trying to search for books about William B. Travis. Can you help me?
  • When will the library be open today?
  • Does ACC have access to Google Scholar?
  • I would like to know if you have the textbook for my US History class?

Q: Anything else I should know?

A:  Glad you asked:

  • In-person requests receive priority over phone and electronic requests.
  • Requests of equal priority are answered in the order they arrive.
  • This service is intended primarily for ACC students, faculty and staff, but questions from the ACC community and other users are welcome.
  • Other than for statistical purposes, we do not have a process for keeping transcripts of IM sessions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate an IM session in cases of inappropriate behavior.


last revision: 6/13/11 S.Owens