Learn about LibAnswers
What exactly is LibAnswers?
LibAnswers is the Library’s new reference service platform that allows library users to:
- Search for answers in the Knowledge Base to questions they may have about anything library related
- Contact a librarian for help via email, chat or text
What’s the Knowledge Base?
The Knowledge Base is a database full of questions and answers about the Library. When you have a question about anything library related, you can search the knowledge base to see if your question has already been asked and answered. If you cannot find what you need, you can then submit your question using the question form.
What about my privacy?
With every client-submitted question, the responding librarian has the option to share that question in the public Knowledge Base or answer the question privately via email. We want to ensure patron privacy, and that is why all identifiable information from client-submitted questions is never shown if we decide to include your question in the Knowledge Base. If questions contain sensitive or private information, the answers are emailed directly to you and do not appear on the Knowledge Base.
If I submit a question to LibAnswers using the online question form, how will I receive my answer? How do I reply to the answer I receive?
You will receive your answer via email, regardless of whether your question gets included in the Knowledge Base or not.
If you would like to reply to an answer, you are prompted in the email you receive to follow a LibAnswers link that allows you to email your reply to a librarian. Replies are automatically kept private.
Can I still email a librarian for help?
Yes you can! Filling out the LibAnswers question form is the same as emailing a librarian directly for assistance.
What are some features of LibAnswers?
Some great features of LibAnswers include:
- Answers Auto-Suggest—As you type your question into LibAnswers using natural language format (ex. How do I renew a book?), this feature finds knowledge base matches and points you towards the correct answer!
- Mobile/Smart Phone Ready—The system automatically detects when you access it from your smartphone and presents a mobile-friendly version of the system. The full Knowledge Base is instantly available on a mobile platform - how cool!
- SMS/Texting—You can text your question to us, and receive your reply via text! Standard text messaging rates apply.
For more information, contact Maianh Phi at maianh.phi@exch.library.tmc.edu or call 713.799.7109.