There are two ways to ask a librarian a question.
E-mail your question to Reference@bclibrary.info. (Please include your name when sending a question.)
Or you can IM a librarian. See details below.
Getting Started with Instant Messaging
Hours of Service:
Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm
Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm
What is Instant Messaging?
Instant message, or IM, programs let you exchange messages with another person over the Internet in real time.
Do I need special software or equipment?
PC users need Internet access, a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, etc.) and either an AOL account or AIM screen name, MSN account, GMail or Yahoo! account. You can use your browser, or install additional software to send and receive instant messages.
If you have an AOL email address, your AOL screen name (the first part of your email address) is your AIM user name. Sign into AIM Express
If you have a Yahoo! (yahoo.com) email address, your Yahoo! ID (the first part of your email address) is your Yahoo! Messenger user name. Sign into Yahoo! Web Messenger
If you have a Google email address, you can sign into Google Talk by using that email address.
If you have an MSN (hotmail.com or msn.com) email address, or a Microsoft .NET passport, your whole email address is your MSN Messenger user name. Sign into MSN Web Messenger
How do I get a free account?
The whole process takes about five minutes. You will need to access the service provider's website, choose a name, and then verify your new account by email. You can also choose to download and install the provider's free IM software on your computer. Once you have verified your new account, you will be able to send and receive instant messages by following the simple instructions for the service of your choice.
How do I IM a Librarian?
Add Broome County Public Library's screen name to your Buddy List (AIM), Contacts List (MSN), or Friends List (Yahoo!) and instant message a librarian with your questions.
You can also use the Meebo widget below
| IM service: | Broome County Public Library’s Screen Name:
|
|
| AIM Express (AOL) | Bcplibrarian
|
| Yahoo! Web Messenger | Bcplibrarian
|
| Google Talk | Bcplibrarian
|
| MSN Web Messenger | reference@bclibrary.info
|
What kinds of questions can a librarian answer?
Requests for factual information.
Policy and procedural questions.
In general, questions that can be answered by Who, What, When, Where, or How.
Are there questions a librarian cannot answer?
We cannot answer complex questions that require us to do additional research to narrow or refine the request, but we can suggest resources for your own further research. We cannot answer legal, medical, or other types of questions requiring professional interpretation. We cannot answer questions about your library customer account.
What about privacy?
Broome County Public Library is committed to protecting customer privacy. You do not need to identify yourself to use the service. No information collected via IM sessions will be shared with any third party, and any information collected will be routinely purged.
For further assistance:
You can call the Information Service Desk at Broome County Public Library, 778-6451.
[ Home ]
[ Library ]
[ Departments ]
[ Services ]
[ Youth Services ]
[ Online Catalog ]
[ Friends of the Library ]
[ Events ]
