IM stands for instant message. You can send an instant message online to a reference librarian via the IM reference service.
ODU Library relies on the statewide to provide IM reference services. Your questions will be answered by an ODU librarian whenever possible. When this is not possible, you will be assisted by a professional librarian from another institution.
To use the IM service, follow these easy steps:
1. Look for the following icon on most pages of the ODU Library website:
This will take you to , which is staffed whenever possible by an ODU Librarian.
2. Follow the directions and enter information as you are prompted.
3. Submit your information and question.
4. Wait for a librarian to greet you and begin your conversation!
You may view KnowItNow's for more information.
No, you do not need to have any type of IM account in order to use IM reference services. Simply go to our .
is an online reference service for the citizens and residents of Ohio brought to you by the State Library of Ohio and libraries throughout the state. Professional librarians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your reference questions and to assist you in finding information. Currently service is unavailable 1-7 a.m., but is expected to be restored July 2013.
Through , Ohioans can get live help from a librarian for finding resources for homework or research on any topic, suggestions for good books to read, or answers to satisfy your general curiosity, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please visit for more information about KnowItNow24x7.
ODU Library participates in KnowItNow24x7 services. Click on the button below to chat live with a librarian. ODU librarians will provide IM reference services whenever possible. When this is not possible, you will be connected to a professional librarian from another institution.
The Service is typically available 24x7. Currently it is closed 1-7 a.m., but services are expected to be restored July 2013. Please be advised that it is staffed whenever possible by an ODU Librarian. When this is not possible, you will be assisted by a professional librarian from another institution.
If you would like assistance with finding information or using ODU library resources via phone, email, or in person, contact information and hours are available on our web page.
If you have questions about your library record, fines, renewals, and course reserves, please contact .
IM Reference can be very useful for simple or brief inquiries. You are welcome to IM a librarian with any question. However, if the librarian determines that your question requires in-depth assistance, he or she may ask you to continue your session via .
Yes! There are three ways to do this.
- When you submit your initial question to , submit your email address in the designated field. The text of your chat will be sent to you automatically.
- During your IM reference session, you may ask the librarian to send you the text of your chat.
- Once your chat with the librarian is finished, you can save the text of your chat before you close the window by following these steps:
- Highlight the entire text of the chat
- Right click on the highlighted text. This will bring up a menu.
- Select "Copy" in the menu that appears.
- Paste the text into a new Word or text document.
Please be aware that once you leave the chat session, the text of your chat may be irretrievable.
If you close the chat window, you will lose the text of your conversation. If you notify ODU Library as soon as possible, the librarian may be able to provide you with the text of the lost conversation.
We welcome questions, comments, and suggestions. You may send feedback about IM Reference services to .
Alternatively, you may submit questions or comments about the KnowItNow service directly to the .