Information About AskAmes

Who staffs this service? 

Our service is staffed by librarians. We work from the Information Desk on the 1st floor of the Ames Library where we also provide assistance in person and over the phone. Since we help a lot of patrons, there may, on occasion, be slight delays in responding to your chat or IM request, but we make every effort to provide fast service to all patrons.

What are the hours of operation?

AskAmes is available during regular Information Desk hours.

How does AskAmes work?

You can contact us any time you have a research or library-related question online via chat.  You can also contact us using  your home or cell phone, by e-mail, or just by coming to the Information Desk using the information provided in the lower left hand column.

Who can use AskAmes?

Chat assistance is primarily intended as service for the IWU Community. If you are not a current affiliate, we're happy to refer you to a service that might be more appropriate.

Do you save the transcripts?

Transcripts may be reviewed  for evaluation and research purposes. All personal information will be removed and destroyed. 

What is IM and how does it work?

IM stands for "Instant Message," and refers to software like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) which can be used to have a live conversation with a librarian. To contact us, send a message from your IM software to our Screen Name, AskAmes.

Which IM Network do you use?

We have accounts on AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger, all with the same Screen Name, AskAmes. Add us to your Buddy List now!

No IM software?

If you do not wish to download and install instant messaging software on your computer, we encourage you to send us a message using the widget embedded on the left side of the library web pages.

What is a Widget?

The AskAmes widget allows people who are using the Ames Library website to ask a librarian any questions they might have along the way.  No registration is required. To start chatting, type your question in the lower box that says, "Type Here," and hit enter to send your message. 

This is information is used and adapted with the permission of the Main Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.