Need advice on using Cardiff's libraries? 'Ask a Librarian Live' is here to help!
1 November 2011
'Ask a Librarian Live' is an online instant messaging tool that enables users to connect with a member of staff in one of the University’s libraries, and to receive a speedy response to their questions about the University Library Service.
Users can 'Ask a Librarian Live' from anywhere in the world, through the Information Services website, via the Voyager Library Catalogue, Cardiff Portal, and, now, from smart mobile phones. The service is routinely available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. Outside these times, queries will only be answered if there is a member of staff available.
'Ask a Librarian Live' enables students and staff to have access to the expertise and knowledge of library staff without needing to physically visit one of the University libraries, providing a convenient and personal way to resolve problems with using information. The full 'Ask a Librarian Live' service was launched at the beginning of the academic year, following a very successful pilot scheme last year.
During the pilot scheme, the virtual librarian enquiry service received over 3,800 chat requests, and approximately ¾ of those using the service were off-campus at the time.
Janet Peters, University Librarian, explained: "We are constantly looking at new ways to engage with our library users, ensuring that they can easily access the wealth of knowledge in our libraries during their time at Cardiff. I think new services such as this chat facility do this in a way that appeals to today’s students.
"We have been delighted with the extremely positive feedback from those who have used 'Ask a Librarian Live', and will seek to develop the service to continue to meet and exceed the needs of all our users," continued Janet.
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