Skip to Main Content

Best Practices for Chat/Ask a Librarian

Considerations/guidelines for successfully answering Chat Questions/ Emails and questions submitted to TWU's Ask a Librarian Service

Hours of Operation and Staffing

The library normally monitors LibAnswers Chat & Email service Monday - Friday  when classes are in session and the University is open for operation.

The Chat Schedule is set at the beggining of each semster and normally conforms to when staff are available. 

The Librarian coordinating this service trains staff before on how to answer questions that are:

  • Library Policy related
  • Required forwarding to other Library departments / Librarians ( Information,  Woman's, ILL, Scholarly Communication, Library Administration )  
  • Are related to Medical Advice, Legal Advice, Tax Advice or Citation questions ( APA, MLA, etc.)  

Chat is not normally available on Saturday or Sunday, and is not assigned. Any questions asked during the weekend should  be answered ASAP on the following Monday. Staff should log on to LibAnswers to answer any Emails / unanswered chats or texts.