What is IM or Instant Messaging?

How can I IM askccsf?

Who can use this service?

What if I don't have an IM account?

I'm on campus, and can't access my IM account. What can I do?

What kind of questions can I ask?

If IM is not available, where can I get assistance?

Priority of Service.

Privacy.

Inappropriate use of instant messaging.

What is IM or Instant Messaging?

IM or instant messaging is a real-time communication system between two or more people at the same time. Popular IM services include Yahoo Messenger, AOL, GoogleTalk, Live Messenger (Hotmail/MSN).

How can I IM askccsf?

If you have an IM account with Yahoo Messenger, GoogleTalk, Hotmail (Live Messenger) or AOL, add our screename askccsf or type askccsf in the To: box.

Who can use this service?

This service is intended primarily for CCSF students, faculty and staff, but questions from other users are welcome. However, members of the general public are encouraged to use their public library's reference service such as San Francisco Public's Live Online Reference service.

What if I don't have an IM account?

You can easily sign up for a free IM account. Some of the major IM services include Yahoo Messenger, AOL, GoogleTalk, and Live Messenger (Hotmail). Software programs must be downloaded to your computer. If you do not want to sign up for an IM account, you can use our chat box on our main IM page.

I'm on campus and can't access my IM account. What can I do?

You can go to http://meebo.com/ and login into your Google, Yahoo, AOL, or MSN/Hotmail account or you can use the chat box on our IM Reference page

What kind of questions can I ask?

IM is best for brief, factual questions, questions on library services and resources, and general research advice. We do not provide legal or medical advice. Those seeking more extensive research assistance are urged to go to a City College library and ask a librarian for assistance.

If IM is not available, where can I get assistance?

If you need assistance, and ASKCCSF is not available you may visit any CCSF library and ask a librarian for help, call us at 415-452-5433 during our open hours or send us an e-mail.

Priority of Service

In-person reference questions will have priority. If we do not respond during our scheduled IM hours, we may be assisting students at the reference desk. Please try again later.

Privacy.

We do not keep transcripts of our IM session after the transaction is completed, but as with any information that is transmitted electronically its security cannot be guaranteed.

Inappropriate use of instant messaging.

IM reference is provided as a service to the CCSF community. We reserve the right to terminate an IM session when behavior or language is inappropriate. The College's Rules of Student Conduct will apply for all sessions.