Information services have always included walk-up and phone service, which were joined by e-mail reference service in 1997.   Whether you need help with research, using MARQCAT, or just want to know our hours, AskUs! Live is another means of bringing you what you need, when you need it, and where you need it.  AskUs! Live improves the librarians' ability to lead remote users through web sites, library databases, and other Web-based searches.  We still welcome e-mail and telephone questions and, of course, invite users to visit the libraries for in-person assistance.

The AskUs! Live service is funded by Kimberly-Clark, as part of their generous donation of Raynor Library's Information Commons (IC). Marquette's participation in a consortium with 18 other Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities (AJCU) libraries allows us to provide round-the-clock virtual (chat) service.   Connect now

Do I need to download special software for my pc?
What does "co-browsing" mean?
When can I connect to AskUs! Live?
What kinds of questions will you answer?
How long can an AskUs! Live session last?
Who will be responding to my question?
How will I be able to remember what the librarian shows me?
Can I ask AskUs! Live if I'm not affiliated with Marquette University?
How can I get help when the AskUs! Live service isn't operating?
What if I still have questions or comments about this service?

Do I need to download special software for my pc?
No, most computers with Web access will connect you with the system.  However, older versions of Netscape and IE, as well as the most recent version of Netscape, may cause the system to default to the basic mode.  Browsers other than Netscape or Internet Explorer (such as Opera) will not work with the service.  Mac’s also default to basic mode.

What does “co-browsing” mean?
The software for AskUs! Live allows the librarian and the user to simultaneously view the same Web page.  When one clicks to another Web page the other is also taken to that Web page.  Both librarian and user can highlight links on a page and share words typed into text boxes.  Basic mode is less interactive but the librarian can still ‘send’ views of Web pages to the user.

When can I connect to AskUs! Live? 
Member librarians in the AJCU consortium provide virtual (chat) reference assistance 24 hours a day and 7 days a week during most of the fall and spring semesters. Holiday hours may be abbreviated and will be posted on the logon page.  Please be aware that the initial connection can take up to one minute.  If the librarians are busy handling other questions, you will see a message asking you to wait.  You may also telephone the desk or e-mail your question.

What kinds of questions will you answer?
We will help identify an appropriate database for your research; help you use MARQCAT or show you how to find books, journals, or e-resources; provide guidance on researching a topic; suggest print and electronic sources you might find helpful; and help solve problems you might be having in using one of the databases.  Some questions may prove to be more complicated than this type of communication can smoothly handle, requiring follow up by e-mail or phone.  As with our other information services, we cannot provide legal, tax, medical, or financial advice.

How long can an AskUs! Live session last?
Data from our past experience indicate the average interaction lasts between 10 to 15 minutes.

Who will be responding to my question?
The team monitoring the service includes librarians from Marquette, from the other 18 participating AJCU libraries, and from the company providing the software, Tutor.com.  Similar to all other information services, if the question is subject-specific it may be referred to a subject specialist who will follow-up via phone, e-mail, or possibly, a research consultation.

How will I be able to remember what the librarian shows me?
Transcripts of the session, including text and urls, are e-mailed to both librarian and user after the session is ended, making it easy to revisit pages or for follow-up.

Can I use AskUs! Live if I'm not affiliated with Marquette University?
The objective of AskUs! Live is to meet the information needs of users from Marquette and other AJCU participating institutions.  We regret that we can only handle questions from members of the consortium campuses, who sign in by identifying the school with which they are affiliated.  We do, however, try to respond to all users of our e-mail service.

How can I get help when the AskUs! Live Service isn’t operating?
There’s a link on the AskUs! Information Services page f or other services and hours.  Please call or visit in person during regular service hours; or e-mail anytime and a librarian will respond as soon as possible.

What if I still have questions or comments about this service?
We encourage your feedback.  Call the Information Desk at 288-7556 or e-mail us at AskUs@marquette.edu.  Your comments will be especially helpful as we evaluate services and hours in Raynor Library.