Services

What is Chat with a Librarian?

Chat with a Librarian is a live chat service provided by PA Power Library, where librarians from throughout the state of Pennsylvania answer your questions 24/7.

Can I get a transcript of my Chat?

Enter an email address (at the beginning or end of your session), and you will automatically receive a copy of your Chat at the end of the session.

Can I keep my Chat confidential?

You do not have to use your real name or enter your email. If you want a copy of your transcript sent to you, you can provide an email address at the end of the Chat.

How do I ask a question anonymously?

Do not enter an email address or your name at the beginning of the Chat. This allows you to remain anonymous.

How does Chat work?

Simply enter your contact information (if desired) and your question and click "Start Chat." A librarian from the state of Pennsylvania will respond as soon as they can. It might take 10 to 15 minutes for an answer, and sometimes more.

What if my question takes a long time to research?

If more time is needed to answer your question, a librarian may ask for your email address so that the answer can be sent to you later.

Why am I being blocked from Chat?

Firewalls and filters can interfere. Check your settings to allow emails from chat@hslc.org and ask@springshare.com or contact your network administrator.

Source: FAQs - Power Library. (2020). Retrieved 17 July 2020, from https://powerlibrary.org/faqs/#2-chat-faq

There are two ways to chat with us!

You can use the Chat widget, which is a chat box that displays with the browser window by clicking on the blue and yellow logoed button at the bottom of the screen. It's easy to use! Just enter a question and a librarian will be along to help you as soon as possible.

There is also a full-page version of the chat. The full-page version allows the librarian to send webpages to your browser window. In the chat widget, librarians can send you links, but you must select it to open the webpage in a new browser window. If you visit a webpage from the widget, you will need to navigate back to the page with the widget in order to continue your session.

Can you request a transcript of your chat session?

Yes! For a transcript of your chat session, be sure that you are able to receive email from both chat@hslc.org and questionpoint@oclc.org.

This may require you to manually whitelist/allow both email addresses and/or instruct your local IT staff to add both addresses as allowable emails.

Also note that while providing an email address is never required during your chat session:

1. If you enter an email address when you log on to use Chat with a Librarian, you will automatically get a copy of your session after it is completed.
2. If you do not enter an email address when you log on, you will be provided an opportunity at the end of the session to enter your email address and receive a copy of your transcript. This option allows you to remain anonymous during the chat session.
3. Note also that the librarian chatting with you may ask you for your email during the session if they feel that they will need to provide you with more information later. If you elect to provide your email, the librarian will be able to send you more information after the session has ended.

Source: Help with Chat - Power Library. (2020). Retrieved 17 July 2020, from https://powerlibrary.org/chat/help-with-chat/#.XxHboi2z3dc