How does Ask a Question work?
You may contact us any time you have a research or library-related question by phone, text, IM, email, or in person.

Who staffs this service?
Our service is staffed by librarians and staff who work at the user services desk located in Dykes library.

Who can use Ask a Question?
This service is intended primarily for KUMC students, faculty, and staff, but questions about the libraries' collections and services are welcome.

When is this service available?
This service is available every day from 8am - 6pm except around holidays and University breaks.

Instant Messaging at Dykes Library

How can I chat with library staff?
You can type your question in the chat box that's available when we're online.

What kind of questions can I ask?
We will attempt to answer all of your questions. Keep in mind that if your question requires an in-depth response, you may be referred to another person or department in order to answer your question. You may be asked to e-mail a question or schedule a research consultation with a library liaison.

Will I need to wait to chat with a staff member?
Patrons who visit the library's User Services desk in-person have priority over chat patrons. Chat patrons are taken on a first-come, first-served order and we make every effort to answer questions as quickly as possible. If you don't get an immediate reply please wait or feel free to contact us through other channels. You can e-mail your question, call Dykes Library at 913-588-7166, or visit the User Services desk in-person for assistance.

Where can I go to offer feedback about Dykes Library's chat (or other) services?
Let us know what you think by filling out the feedback form found here.

Will a transcript of my chat session be saved?
Yes, transcripts of your chat session will be saved and reviewed by Dykes management in order to improve our chat service. However, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our users. Information collected through chat will not be shared with any third parties. Personal information collected through chat will be periodically purged.

Ask a Question Texting/SMS Service

Text us at 913-752-9733.
Your standard text charges apply.

Ask a Librarian Mobile App

The Ask a Librarian mobile app connects you to Dykes Library's reference services including chat, phone, text and email and also includes a link to our website, our address so you can find us in your map app, and additional information such as operating hours. The app is available on Google Play, Amazon and the iTunes App Store.

Ask a Question Email Service

The Ask a Question Email service provides reference and information assistance for those who wish to contact us by email. Reference email is checked throughout each day during the work week (Monday through Friday). We will respond as quickly as possible, typically within 24 hours of receipt of the question (excluding weekends and holidays). If extensive research is required, we will let you know that we are working on it and provide an approximate time frame.

Privacy Statement

Personal data and transcripts will be kept strictly confidential and will be accessible only to authorized staff. It is the Library's intent to protect the privacy of each individual's intellectual investigations. Confidentiality of users' transactions with the Library - information concerning use of the Library's services and resources - will not be released except upon receipt of a lawfully issued subpoena, search warrant, or other judicial order.

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