Chat reference Qwidget availability

 A question came up recently about when the QuestionPoint Qwidget form is available and whether or not it is indicative of when the 24/7 QuestionPoint service is available to our patrons. I want to explain here when you can expect to see the Qwidget and how patrons can access QuestionPoint when the Qwidget isn't available. To simplify that last part I've added a new link to our Ask A Librarian page. 

The Qwidget form only displays on our Ask A Librarian page when QP is staffed by UC librarians. Currently UC librarians are staffing the service from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday.

Questions posted to the Qwidget are only seen by UC librarians. The other method of posting questions is via the standard QuestionPoint chat form. The chat form is monitored 24/7. That monitoring is done by librarians from other institutions around the clock accompanied by UC librarians during the hours listed above.

When the Qwidget is available the following form will be displayed:

When the Qwidget isn't available patrons need to click on either the "Ask A Librarian" logo (see below) or the new text link "UC Ask A Librarian Live Chat Service."

Laura, Peggy and I will be reviewing and revising the Ask A Librarian page next month. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or recommendations for its improvement.