Ask A UC Librarian is part of a 24/7 cooperative service. A librarian from any UC library or nation-wide library may answer your question. A UC librarian will follow up as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I access online resources when I am not on campus?
A: Please login to UCI’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you are off campus. You can learn more about installing the VPN here: https://www.lib.uci.edu/connect
2. Who may use this service?
A: This service is intended primarily for current UC students, faculty, and staff. Anyone may use the service, but we can provide only limited assistance to those outside the campus community.
3. Why is my name and email address requested?
A: We ask for a name so we know how to address you, and an email address so you may receive the chat transcript and in case we need to send follow-up information. We may also contact you for feedback on the service you received.
4. What kinds of questions do you answer?
A: You can ask us any research or library related question. For more in-depth questions we may follow up with you through email.
5. How do I exit?
A: Just click "Exit" to end the session. To make sure you get the help you need, the librarian may ask you to confirm that she has answered your question fully. Once confirmed, the librarian will ask you to end the call; this will assure the accurate and timely delivery of your session transcript.
Privacy
Our chat software vendor, QuestionPoint 24/7 Reference, retains a copy of chat transcripts. Before saving the transcripts the vendor deletes personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers, library card or other identifying numbers, and identifying parts of email addresses. The company may use transcripts only to monitor and improve quality of service and develop aggregated statistical data for reporting.
In order to better help you, a librarian may ask for information regarding purpose (for instance, is this for a class assignment?) or class level (undergraduate? graduate?). Any information given to the librarian will become part of the session transcript. Information collected using this service is never published or shared voluntarily with any other entity.
No email addresses will be sold or given to any other entities.