The librarian chat portion of QP is much the
same as the patron portion. Although not often thought of in this manner, chat is
equal conversation. Once the librarian starts the session the patron and librarian
have equal ability to chat, send links, and end the session.
The librarian starts by clicking on the "Chat" tab on the Active Questions
web page.
The chat monitor page is displayed. Librarians can minimize this window and do other
work. When a patron asks for a chat they will automatically get a pop up window telling
them. To initiate a chat session the librarian clicks on the patrons name.
This starts the chat session just as we saw on the patron side. The exception is
access to personal and institution scripts. The librarian can drop down a menu of
scripts and click add to enter it into the message window. Multiple scripts mixed
with typed entries gives great flexibility and speed in chat.
Again note the hint to enter web links as http:// format. These links become active
in chat and open a new browser window when clicked. The librarian can easily send
links to patrons by cutting and pasting from other browser windows. Patrons can also
send links to the librarian.
The chat transcript scrolls from the top. Opposite of what many other chat services
do. However the patron and librarian entries are in differing colors and the web
links are in yet another color.
Like the patron, the librarian can end a session at any time.
