Chat with a Librarian: Chat FAQ

1. What is Online Chat?

Online Chat is a library service that offers real-time reference assistance.  Please click here for more in-depth information explaining the library's online chat service and it's policies.

2.  What do I need to get started?

It's easy.  When chat service is available, simply type your question in the chat box and click the "Start Chat" button.

3.  When is online chat available?

The service is available whenever the reference desk is open.  Regular reference desk hours are Monday-Friday, 0800-1630 (EST).

4.  Who can use the chat service?

Our intended audience is primarily Naval War College students, faculty, staff, and affiliates.  Anyone may use the service, but priority is given to those within the campus community.

5. What is the library's privacy policy?

Email, chat and text transcripts, as well as the IP addresses of users, are logged by a third-party vendor, Springshare (http://springshare.com). All transcripts are password protected, for view only by designated library staff. These transcripts are restricted for the purposes of internal training, statistical reporting, and may at times be re-purposed, once stripped of any identifying information, in the FAQ knowledge-base. Please note that users contacting us through the chat widgets on the library’s webpages are anonymous, though you may provide your name if you wish.

The Naval War College Library maintains strict confidentiality and does not share email addresses or other personal information of any Ask a Librarian or Online Chat users with other organizations.

6.  What kinds of questions may I ask?

The service is intended to offer brief reference assistance.  Those needing more in-depth and extensive assistance should request a research appointment with one of the reference librarians.

7.  What do I do if online chat is not available?

We can assist you over the phone, via email, or in person.  See Ask a Librarian for a full list of options.