New online reference service

As the Penn State University Libraries launched a new online reference service—“Ask A Librarian”—one of the chats answered between 1 and 2 a.m., the first week of fall semester, came in from a World Campus student in China. The continuous 24-hour live chat and email service, easily accessed through a tab appearing on the right of every library web page and in LionSearch, is available noon, Sunday through 5 p.m., Friday, during fall and spring semesters.

At times when live chat is not being monitored, patrons will be directed to http://ask.libraries.psu.edu, where they will be able to search a database of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or submit a question by email. Messages may also be sent directly to askalibrarian@psu.edu for a response within hours and often within minutes.

All transactions within “Ask A Librarian” remain confidential and the Libraries protect this patron information in the same manner as all personal library records.

For questions or comments, submit to “Ask A Librarian” or call Public Relations and Marketing at 814-863-4240, during normal business hours