24/7 Online Chat Is Available Now!

LIBRARY CO-OPERATION: BRINGING SERVICE TO ALL STUDENTS

The J.D. McKean Library is proud to announce the continuation of 24/7 chat for the spring semester. This new online chat interaction is available to ORU students and faculty members. This is a wonderful new program that enables the ORU Library to offer 24/7 services online through a global chat co-operation. There are a number of libraries globally who participate in the Springshare 24/7 chat co-op. Librarians from this global program answer online chats promptly and professionally all while (typically) answering more than one chat question at the same time. Members of the J.D. McKean Library also participate by answering the Springshare global library questions as well--which is acting as a wonderful opportunity to help build library relations on a global level. 

TIPS FOR CHAT INTERACTIONS: YOU HAVE A QUESTION? GREAT, LET'S TAKE A LOOK!

When you use the global chat 24/7 program, here are a few tips for a great interaction:

First, try to phrase your question as clearly as you can. No worries if you don't know the answer to your question; that's why you are using the chat! Librarians are always happy to help you with your research. However, when you are able to write out your question clearly, it helps the online chat interaction flow smoothly and efficiently. Which means that it will be easier to get the help you need to achieve your research goals! 

Secondly, always try to be polite and respectful in your chat interaction. The librarian wants to help you and see you succeed. Being polite and respectful in the interaction will make for a more positive experience for both individuals.

Thirdly, be patient for your response. It is more than likely the librarian is chatting with more than one individual at one time. Librarians strive to be prompt, and it is rare when more than a minute goes by without at least hearing an update about the search strategy being used to pull results from the databases. 

Fourthly, if you need further assistance than what an online chat can provide, you are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a librarian (in person or via Zoom), or come to the Service Desk at the J.D. McKean library, and a librarian will help guide you through the process of searching for your particular subject. 

By following the above tips, you will have a successful chat interaction!

If you currently need help learning how to search the library's website for articles and books, check out these tutorials. The J.D. McKean Library is here to help you become a skilled researcher so you can thrive in your specific course of study. Happy Researching!