Ask-a-Librarian

Florida Ask-a-Librarian - Live, online chat service

• AaL is available from 10 - 10 Sunday - Friday, and 10 - 5 on Saturdays.
• Who answers the questions? We are librarians from 80 community colleges, universities, special and public libraries, working cooperatively. TCC reference librarians participate but may not be the ones on duty when you go online.
• How to connect? go to www.askalibrarian.org and select "chat". You can also connect from the TCC Library pages Site Index or the Reference Resources page.
• What do you need to use this service ? all you need is a computer that has an internet connect. You - and the computer - can be in any location. The software works best if your browser is java enabled, accepts cookies and your pop-up-blocker is off; this enables you and the librarian to co-browse web sites and databases. Some of the databases require your institution ID number and password for access so have that handy during your chat session.
• What will you see ? as the librarian conducts the search, we will either have you "co-browse" with us, seeing each screen in the search process, or, if your computer software doesn't permit co-browsing, we can "push" a screen over to appear on your computer monitor, where you can then navigate the screen.
• What kinds of questions can you ask ? how to find biology articles, or how to cite a web source in APA format, or specific information for a subject you need. If you have a question, we'll try to find the answer with you !

Ask-a-Librarian is one aspect of our Virtual Reference services here at TCC Library.

You may also send us a question directly via our local traditional e-mail services ask-a-lib.htm or library@tcc.fl.edu

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