Adler University Library Policies

Adler University Library Chat Reference Policy

Hours:

Alder University Library provides chat reference service during most regular operating hours. Current hours may be found here. When the service is not staffed, library patrons may email library@adler.edu (Chicago and Online campuses) or vanlibrary@adler.edu (Vancouver campus) and we will reply to your email when the library reopens.

Staffing and patrons:

This service is staffed by trained library assistants and librarians and is intended primarily to meet the library needs of Adler University students, staff, and faculty.  We are also happy to answer questions from alumni, patrons of other CARLI libraries, and members of the public about our collections.

Appropriate use:

Chat reference is designed to provide patrons with real-time answers to brief questions, guidance on locating specific resources, and general information on Adler University Library collections, locations, hours, and policies.  Patrons with more complex, in-depth questions and research needs will be provided with contact information or scheduling links for the reference librarian on their campus.

Inappropriate use:

Chat reference cannot provide medical, financial, or legal advice.  This service cannot provide information related to grades, transcripts, course registration, Canvas, IT, or other University departments.

The Library may terminate any chat session in which a patron uses rude, inappropriate, or threatening language; repeatedly asks off-topic questions; or in any other way harasses Adler University Library librarians or library assistants.  If inappropriate use of the chat service continues, the patron’s IP address will be blocked.

Privacy:

We use LibraryH3lp software to provide and manage library chat sessions.  This software archives chat messages sent between users and the Library, any materials sent to our patrons during chat sessions, and the IP address that the chat message was sent from in a password-protected portal. We save these records so that we can follow up with questions that need a more detailed response, evaluate usage of the service, and train library assistants. 

The system doesn’t collect your name, email address, or Adler University ID number and we cannot see that information during a chat session.

If you prefer to have the record of your chat deleted, please email library@adler.edu and include the date and time of your chat.