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University Libraries

Old Knowledgebase: LibChat

Old Knowledgebase

LibChat

LibChat

The University of Iowa Hardin Library LibChat system can be accessed by patrons here.

Librarians and staff can access the system to answer patron questions via: https://ask.lib.uiowa.edu/admin/home?m=queue

To use LibChat:

  1. Go to: http://ask.lib.uiowa.edu/
  2. select Login to LibApps from the gray bar near the bottom of the screen. 
  3. You will be redirected and a "only secure content is displayed" box will appear at the bottom of the page.
  4. Click "Show All Content".
  5. Log in: username- lib-hardin@uiowa.edu / password- jmrbr
  6. Select "Launch Chat".
  7. A new tab will open with the chat menu.
  8. When a patron connects to LibChat there will be a beep sound and you will receive a notification that says "you have a visitor".
  9. Select the Launch link to begin chatting with the specific patron.

Important Information:

  • DO NOT CLOSE THE CHAT BOX. This will disconnect the chat.
  • DO NOT BAN USERS. Just close the chat box if the patron is inappropriate.
  • Be sure to log out at the end of your shift by selecting "Go Offline" or "Sign Out" in the orange bar accross the top of the page
  • If a chat request has a link that states "Claim and answer it", this is for Main Library only. These are LibAnswers requests and are not handled by Hardin Library staff.

Additional Information:

  • Users can fill in their name or chat anonymously. 
  • Internet Explorer does not allow for chat box resizing, but Firefox does. After communicating with a librarian users will be able to rate their interaction.
  • Patrons can be transferred to other libraries to have their questions answered. To do this select "Transfer Chat" at the top of the chat box.
  • Three person chats can occur when chats are transferred.
  • If the Library ends the chat before the patron, the interaction can be rated and the patron can email the chat to themselves.
  • Administrators can review all transcripts for up to 12 months. Searches can be done by date, answer, and name.
  • If someone else is logged in when you log in you will receive a notification that "It appears you are already online! Only one chat operator window can be open at once."

For updates and information on LibChat, please visit the following link