widget-Pennsylvania's statewide 24/7 live Chat reference service—free to all residents of Pennsylvania—is a quick way to get answers to your questions.
Ask your question. A librarian is on hand to chat with you. It’s that easy.
If your question involves lengthy research, we’ll get you started in the right direction or provide information about other resources.
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Q: Can I keep my Chat confidential?
A: You do not have to use your real name or enter your email (unless Emailing a Librarian). If you want a copy of your transcript sent to you, you can provide an email address at the end of the Chat.
Q: Why am I being blocked from Chat?
A: Firewalls and filters can interfere. Check your settings to allow emails from chat@hslc.org and ask@springshare.comor contact your network administrator.
Q: How do I ask a question anonymously?
A: With Chat with a Librarian, you have the option to not enter an email address or your name. This allows you to remain anonymous. With Text a Librarian or Email a Librarian, the librarians will be able to see your phone number/email address.
Q: What is Chat with a Librarian?
A: Chat with a librarian is Pennsylvania’s statewide, live chat reference service, available 24/7. Chat has three components to help you when you need it, where you need it, and how you need it: Chat with a Librarian, Text a Librarian, or Email a Librarian.
Q: How does Chat work?
A: With Chat with a Librarian, you have three options: Chat, Text, or Email. You can access all three options on www.powerlibrary.org/chat.
- For Chat with a Librarian, simply enter your contact information (if desired) and your question and ‘Start Chat’. Chat is available 24/7, so a librarian will respond as soon as they can, typically in less than a minute. But, depending on the complexity of your question, it might take 10 to 15 minutes for an answer, possibly more.
- For Text a Librarian, on your mobile device enter in the text number found on the POWER Chat page. Librarians are available Monday-Thursday 10-8, Friday 10-5. If you text during that time frame, you will get an answer shortly. If you text outside that time frame, you might not receive a response until the next morning or if it is after 3 on Friday, until Monday morning.
- For Email a Librarian, simply enter your contact information and your question and ‘Submit Your Question’. If you email us between 8-3 on Monday through Friday, we will usually respond within a few hours. However, if you email outside of that time, you might not receive a response until the next morning or if it is after 3 on Friday, until Monday morning.
Q: What if my question takes a long time to research?
A: During live chat, if more time is needed to answer your question, a librarian may ask for your email address so that the answer can be sent to you later. During a text, if more time is needed or if your answer will be lengthy, a librarian may ask for your email address so that the answer can continue helping you there.
Q: Can I get a transcript of my Chat?
A: Enter an email address (either at the beginning or during your session), and once your session has ended you will be given the option to email yourself a transcript of your chat.
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This project is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and through the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Library Access funds administered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website
do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Institute of Museum
and Library Services or the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
