News and Events: Archive:
Live Librarian Assistance, Online, In New Rutgers’ Trial Project

For the next two weeks Rutgers University Libraries users can see what it’s like to receive research assistance directly from a librarian, without stepping foot in a library building or mastering an automated phone directory.

The Libraries are offering “Ask A Librarian LIVE” from April 8th until May 17th, between the hours of 1-4 p.m., as a trial project. This service, accessible from the “Ask a Librarian” page of the Libraries website, allows users to submit questions and then interact with a Rutgers' reference librarian in chat mode.

“This trial project reflects our commitment to explore the use of cutting edge electronic resources to most effectively provide library services,” commented Natalie Borisovets, coordinator of electronic reference services at the Rutgers University Libraries. “We’re interested in seeing how our users respond to this added option, which offers them prompter service and added flexibility.”

Response to this trial project has been encouraging. Exit surveys filled out by users who’ve sampled the service show that all rate the service very positively.

To use the “Ask A Librarian LIVE” service, users should go to this URL: http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/ask_a_lib/ask_a_lib.shtml and select the “Ask A Librarian LIVE” feature, in the red box in the top right corner.