The Weinberg Memorial Library Ask A Librarian Service

Ask a Librarian Reference Services

Instant Message

Contact a librarian via these major IM providers:
AIM: uofsrefdesk
Yahoo: uofsrefdesk
MSN: uofsrefdesk
Google: uofsrefdesk

Or, click on the image to the right to IM with a librarian via our Meebo widget.

Now available all hours that the Library is open!

Instant Messaging with a UofS Librarian:

24/7 Chat

Click on the image to the right to chat with a librarian at any hour of the day.

Participating Libraries

Available only to students, faculty and staff of The University of Scranton.

Chat in real-time with a librarian:

Email

Email library reference questions to askalibrarian@scranton.edu, or click on the blue image to the right to send an email reference question via our online form. Reference questions are generally answered within 24 hours.

This service is available to the community at large. Response time may vary according to the academic calendar and library hours of operation.

Email your question to a librarian:

Call: 570-941-4000

Call the Reference Desk with your library reference questions, or visit the library to consult in-person with a Reference Librarian. The Reference Desk is located on the 2nd floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Call Library Systems (570-941-6135) or the Technology Support Center (570-941-4357) with technical support questions.

Call the Reference Desk (570-941-4000).

Remember that you may also schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Reference Librarian with subject expertise in your field.

Please call Bonnie Oldham (570-941-4000), Information Literacy Coordinator, to schedule an appointment.

Guidelines For Using Ask a Librarian

What is Ask a Librarian?

Ask a Librarian refers to the Weinberg Memorial Library's Virtual Reference Services, including IM, 24/7, Chat, Email, and Phone Reference. These services enable patrons to ask questions about research, library resources, and library policies from a remote location.

IM

Chat

Email

Who answers the questions?

Reference staff at the Weinberg Memorial Library at The University of Scranton will answer all phone, email and IM reference questions. Virtual live chat will be monitored by the librarians of the American Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and Tutor.com librarians to provide 24/7 virtual chat reference.

What kind of questions can be answered during a virtual reference chat session?

Help searching the library catalog.

Assistance selecting and searching appropriate databases.

Suggestions on an appropriate electronic or print resource to find information for a project or research paper.

Information about the library and its services.

Help accessing library resources when you are off campus.

Internet search strategies.

A specific piece of information (examples: a fact, a date, spelling of a name) or verifying citations.

Patrons may be referred to other resources if chat is not the most appropriate medium for answering their question.

If my question is more involved how can I get more in-depth research advice?

Call the Reference Desk (570-941-4000) or visit the library to consult in-person with a Reference Librarian. The Reference Desk is located on the 2nd floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Call Library Systems (570-941-6135) or the Technology Support Center (570-941-4357) with technical support questions.

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Reference Librarian with subject expertise in your field. See http://academic.scranton.edu/department/wml/libfaculty.html for subject specialists' contact information.

I have a question about the Ask a Librarian Virtual Reference Services. Who do I direct my question to?

If you have questions about the Weinberg Memorial Library's Virtual Reference Services, please contact Donna Mazziotti (570-941-4000), Virtual Reference Coordinator.

Instant Message Contact a librarian via these major IM providers: AIM: uofsrefdesk Yahoo: uofsrefdesk MSN: uofsrefdesk Google: uofsrefdesk Or, click on the image to the right to IM with a librarian via our Meebo widget. Now available all hours that the Library is open!	Instant Messaging with a UofS Librarian:
24/7 Chat Click on the image to the right to chat with a librarian at any hour of the day. Participating Libraries Available only to students, faculty and staff of The University of Scranton.	Chat in real-time with a librarian:
Email Email library reference questions to askalibrarian@scranton.edu, or click on the blue image to the right to send an email reference question via our online form. Reference questions are generally answered within 24 hours. This service is available to the community at large. Response time may vary according to the academic calendar and library hours of operation.	Email your question to a librarian:
Call: 570-941-4000 Call the Reference Desk with your library reference questions, or visit the library to consult in-person with a Reference Librarian. The Reference Desk is located on the 2nd floor of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Call Library Systems (570-941-6135) or the Technology Support Center (570-941-4357) with technical support questions.	Call the Reference Desk (570-941-4000).