How to reach a reference librarian

IM Service

Drop Us a Line, Any Time!*

D’Alzon Library accepts reference questions via instant message. Anyone with an AIM, Yahoo!, or MSN IM
account can send us a message. Quick, easily-answered questions work best for this medium; we may ask you to stop by the Desk in person if the answer is too complex to explain over IM. Here are some examples of the great IM questions we’ve received in the past:

Is there wireless access in the Library?
How do I cite an article in the CQ Researcher using MLA format?
Do you have the book Directory of Catholic Colleges & Universities?
I’m looking for articles on déjà vu for my Psychology class. Which database should I use?

We can accept IM messages from the following services:

AIM - refdesk3

Yahoo! - refdesk3

MSN Messenger - refdesk3@assumption.edu

The following Library staff members have AIM screen names for
themselves, so drop us a line anytime.

Dawn Thistle: Thistlefarmer
Mary Brunelle: MaryRef
Carole Myles: Carolla33
Laurie Welling: LaurieTechie
Janice Wilbur: JanCirc

*Please note that service during the summer months is limited. For best results, IM one of the librarians above directly.

Other Contact Information

Alphabetical listing of the staff with emails and phone numbers

Library email box

Circulation Desk
508-767-7135

Reference Desk
508-767-7273

Questions about the IM Service

When is this service available?
How do I know if a librarian is online?
What is the Library's privacy policy?
Who can use the IM and chat service?
What kind of question can I ask?

When is this service available?
A reference librarian can be reached during regular reference desk hours. Or, you can use MassAnswers, which provides 24/7 reference service.

How do I know if a librarian is online?
The IM services we support when selected will let you know if someone is available.

What is the Library's privacy policy?
The Library's general privacy policy is located on the Library's Web site.

Who can use the IM service?
Any Assumption College student, faculty, administrator, or staff can use these services.

What kind of question can I ask?
Quick, easily-answered questions work best for this medium; we may ask you to stop by the Reference Desk in person if the answer is too complex to explain over IM. Here are some examples of questions we’ve received in the past:

Is there wireless access in the Library?
How do I cite an article in CQ Researcher using MLA format?
Do you have the book, Directory of Catholic Colleges & Universities?
I’m looking for articles on déjà vu for my Psychology class. Which database should I use?