If my students are unable to chat during live chat answers but still wish to connect directly with one of Ottawa's librarians, should they email
Answer
Hi Amy
As you probably already know, we only have three and a half librarians at OU (3 full-time and one half time librarian). Only two are actually available to staff our chat service at any time. If our chat is closed off, often it is because there is not a librarian available to staff the chat during the time advertised, either because of meetings, or their being off campus. In that case I would suggest that you tell your students that they can email us at Ask-A-Librarian, which is directly connected to our Virtual Librarian Service. You or your students also have the option to call us using the SMS email and text us; this SMS text service is also available and contected through the Virtual Librarian.
If we are not staffing the chat desk, we will answer their email question as soon as we login to Virtual librarian, as it will be displayed there as an email request. You and your students are also welcome to call our librarians directly or email us directly. There is a staff page on the Myers Library page in the portal with direct access telephone numbers and email addresses.
If you have any further questions please feel free to email me back or contact me at the number below.
Thanks.
Gloria Creed-Dikeogu, Director of Library Services, Ottawa University
785-248-2536