Now you can contact the Scott Library Reference Desk for quick answers using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). Just add SMLreference to your AIM buddy list. If we are online, open an IM window, type your question and a librarian will be right with you.
This is a pilot service during which our hours may vary. We are generally online when the Reference Desk is open. If we're unavailable contact us by phone or email.
The public computers on campus are all equipped with AIM software.
If your computer doesn't have AIM, you can install it from www.aim.com or use AIM Express, which doesn't require extra software. You can also get a free screen name there.
Use the the AIM service to ask questions about:
- database searching
- journals and books
- formatting citations
- using RefWorks
- getting started on a research project
- campus referrals
- short factual questions
IM is for brief communications; questions requiring more time may be better handled by phone, email, or by coming to the Reference Desk in person. We will also not able to answer questions about your circulation records.
In-person library users and Jefferson-affiliated users receive priority for reference services.
Are you already an AIM user? Are you using a different IM service? We'd love to hear from you about this pilot service: please fill out this short survey.
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