Welcome to OxyChatReference

Get research help online using Instant Messenger software.

What is OxyChatReference?
OxyChatReference is a new service provided by the Information Services Department of the Mary Norton Clapp Library. You can use it to get research help online from any computer equipped with an internet connection. It is only one of several ways you can get research help at the Library.

When is OxyChatReference available?
Chat reference help is currently available during regular reference desk hours.

(See the Library schedule of hours for the most up to date information and holiday/break closures.)

Sundays: 12:30pm - 10:30pm
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 10:30pm
Fridays: 10:30am - 4:30pm
Saturdays: 12:00pm - 4:00pm

What Instant Messenger software can I use and where can I get it?
OxyChatReference can be reached via AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo Messenger, and MSN Messenger. If you want to download any of those software programs, follow the links below. (If you are using a campus public computer, they have already been installed and you only need to log in with your screen name.)

AOL Instant Messenger      (our screen name is OxyChatReference)

Yahoo! Messenger             (our screen name is OxyChatReference)

MSN Messenger                 (our screen name is reference@oxy.edu)

I can't download software onto my computer. How can I get research help?
If you have an active internet connection, you can access AIM, Yahoo, and MSN messengers by using the free web based versions of those software programs. Click one of the links below to access those pages.

Plugoo                                (chat live with us using our Plugoo widget)

AIM Express                     (our screen name is OxyChatReference)

Yahoo Web Messenger      (our screen name is OxyChatReference)

MSN Web Messenger         (our screen name is reference@oxy.edu)

Can I always get reference help from OxyChatReference?
As of now, OxyChatReference will be staffed by the same Librarians and Student Reference Assistants that work at the Reference Desk. This means that even though we may be online during regular reference desk hours, we may not be immediately available to help you via chat. Students getting help at the Reference Desk have priority over OxyChatReference. In addition, we may be working with someone else on chat reference when you send us a message. But don't give up! We keep an eye on our IM screens and will get to you shortly. If you don't want to wait, you can always come down to the Reference Desk and get first priority yourself.

How else can I get help?
During the hours when OxyChatReference is not available, you can get research help in a variety of ways.

	Come see us at the reference desk.
	Call us and get help over the phone.
	Schedule a research consultation.
	Send us an email.
	Get help on your own from our website.

If there is a particular librarian you want to chat with, you can do so using his or her individual screen name. Click here to access the staff directory.

Who can use OxyChatReference?
OxyChatReference is designed for use by Oxy students. We ask that those not affiliated with Occidental College please contact the Internet Public Library, the Los Angeles Public Library, AskNow, or another public library service of your choice.

What about privacy?
When you sign up for a screen name with AIM, Yahoo, or MSN, you agree to abide by their privacy policies. When you chat with us using any of those services you are doing so with the knowledge that those companies may use your personal information for their own research and marketing purposes. (Click the links to each company above for their full privacy statements.) In addition, the Oxy Library reserves the right to record in a text log the full contents of each chat reference session. We do this so that we might review and study the chat sessions in order to improve our service to you. We do not intentionally record your actual name, though any information displayed in the chat will be saved as part of the chat log and will be associated with your screen name. In addition, OxyChatReference saved sessions will be deleted on a regular basis.

We welcome your Comments and Suggestions.

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