IM reference
An IM question may be shorter and more direct than an in-person question. There won’t be as much dialogue/conversation. IM questions are also more likely to be sent from the patron’s home/location away from the library; therefore, it’s more likely that questions will be about research assistance or navigating the website versus in-person directional questions (where is the bathroom? how do I print something?)
If a text message question appears on my computer, I need to respond to it because it won’t be delivered to anyone else.
I can answer questions about getting started on research by doing a reference interview and explaining how to use the help guides, databases, and catalogs. Specific/specialized topic questions can be referred to a librarian, as well as questions I don’t know how to answer.
