Instant Messaging

IM or Instant Messaging is a means of using either software or a web page to type conversations in real time with another person. To contact the University of Oregon Libraries via instant messaging, send a message from your IM account to one of our screen names. We have screen names on AOL, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN Messenger.

For information and research assistance from the Knight Reference Desk, use the following screen names:
uoreference (AOL)
uoreference (Yahoo Messenger)
uoreference@hotmail.com (MSN Messenger)

For information and research assistance from the Science Library, use the following screen names:
uoscience (AOL)
uoscience (Yahoo Messenger)
uoscience@hotmail.com (MSN Messenger) 

For information and research assistance from the Law Library, use the
following screen names:
uolawref (AIM)
uolawref (Yahoo Messenger)
uolawref@hotmail.com (MSN Messenger)

For hours of availability, see the Law Library's Reference page.

The IM service of the UO Libraries is intended primarily for UO students, faculty, and staff.
Non-UO patrons are encouraged to use L-net, an online reference service provided by Oregon's libraries.

Hours of service: the IM service is typically offered at the Knight Reference Desk whenever a staff member is present at the desk. During the regular term, those hours are: Monday-Thursday 9 am-midnight; Friday 9am - 7 pm; Saturday 11 am - 7 pm; and Sunday 11 am - midnight. For service outside of these hours, try the L-net virtual reference service.

If you are using a shared computer in a library or lab, or do not wish to download and install Instant Messenger software on your computer, you may use web-based chat services at AIM Express or MSN Web Messenger . These allow you to create a screen name and to chat, without downloading any software.