Ask a Librarian instant messaging is a free, real-time reference service, provided by University Library reference staff on the Ann Arbor campus. Our IM reference service supports instant messaging using AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, or Yahoo! Messenger software. In addition, we use a meebo widget to provide our web-based instant messaging portion of the Ask a Librarian service.

With the meebo-based instant messaging reference service, University Library reference staff answer your questions via a chat dialog window in your web browser. When your conversation with the reference staff member is finished, click away from the Ask a Librarian web.

The meebo Ask a Librarian instant message service works best if your computer is equipped with some minimum features:

• the latest version of Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox
• the latest version of Flash Player
• 56K modem or faster Internet connection (slower modem access will result in long delays between responses and screen refreshing)
• "cookies" and javascript enabled in your browser
• software firewall (such as Norton Internet Security) disabled

Because the responses between you and University Library reference staff on the Ann Arbor campus travel via the meebo server (located in California), some of the exchanges may seem slower than other messaging methods. Please submit your initial reference question once, and wait for University Library reference staff to reply to your chat request. Keep your web browser window; exiting your web browser may disconnect your conversation with Library reference staff.

If you experience technical problems when attempting to use this service, please submit your question via our web forms.

Our IM reference service allows us to talk to you via your AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) account, via your MSN Messenger account, or via your Yahoo! Messenger account. To use our IM service, you must have the appropriate software installed on your computer (or use your IM service's web version of their software, if available). If you do not have an AIM screen name, an MSN Messenger account, or a Yahoo! ID/Messenger account, you need to register for an account with one of these services, and then download the free software. As soon as the IM software is installed, you can add the University Library's screen name to your personal Buddy or Contact List (umlibraryaskus@umich.edu). Please note: Because University Library reference staff cannot answer your technical questions about the IM software from these services, please review the service websites for instructions and hints on installing and using their IM software.