Ask a Librarian Service

Ask a Librarian is an online chat reference service. It is available during the following days and hours:

• Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays and University declared holiday(s)): 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Steps to Start a Chat Session: 

a) From a desktop computer:

Step 1: Click on the “Ask a Librarian” link on the Library webpage or iDiscover page.  

Step 2: Sign in with your TAR UMT Google account credentials.

Step 3: Enter “Ask a Librarian TAR UMT” in the search box. For subsequent chat, click on the “Ask a Librarian TAR UMT” avatar or name.      

Step 4: Type your chat message.      

      NOTE: Please log out of your personal Gmail account before you begin the chat session.

 b) From a mobile device:

Step 1: Open the Google Chat  app.

Step 2: Select your TAR UMT Google account on “Choose an account” page. Click “OK”.

Step 3: Enter “Ask a Librarian TAR UMT” in the search box. For subsequent chat, click on the “Ask a Librarian TAR UMT” avatar or name.      

Step 4: Type your chat message.     

      NOTE: 

1. Download the Google Chat  app for Android and iOS HERE.

2. Check out the overview video for an introduction to “Ask a Librarian” service.

Ask a Librarian Service Guidelines

1. This service is available to all TAR UMT students, faculty and staff members.

2. This service is best used for quick questions and answers.  

3. Questions are answered on a “first-come-first-served” basis and users may experience a response lag time.

4. Questions received beyond the service hours would be responded on the next working day.

5. Inappropriate language and/or topics is not acceptable.