UW-Madison has adopted a program called Libraries Live Help that allows students to connect with librarians live via the Internet, according to Ed Van Gemert, associate director of library services at UW-Madison.
Users must first download the program from the UW-Madison library web site. Once downloaded, the program offers different avenues of working with librarians. Students can communicate with a librarian through instant text messages, co-browse a web site with a librarian or gain instruction in a Web search, since the program allows the librarian to see the user's screen as they work.
Kenneth Frazier, director of libraries at UW-Madison, said he hopes the program will aide distance-education students and offsite dissertators.
If the program is successful, voice-over and video communication opportunities may be made available as well.
\Our goal is to be able to make use of the wealth of the electronic resources that the library has to offer. ... We're looking for ways to stay connected to students,"" Van Gemert said.
UW-Madison is one of four major library systems to pursue this aid technique through software from Convey Systems, Van Gemert said.
Students may communicate with librarians Sundays, 9 p.m.-midnight; Monday-Wednesday, 1-6 p.m. and 7 p.m.-midnight; Thursdays, 1-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; and Fridays, 1-5 p.m.
