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Ask a Librarian

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Ask a Librarian

Research assistance is provided by the Research and Learning Department via online chat, email, and virtual appointment.

As the University moves through phased reopening, in-person research help options will become available.

Loyola University Library Staff Research Help Chat Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 2:00pm - 8:00pm

24 hour Research Help Chat is provided by partner libraries who do not work at Loyola University Chicago, but are familiar with our library resources.

(Please check our website for hours during University holidays: http://libraries.luc.edu/hours)

About Chat

AJCU (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities) libraries provide this real-time, chat-based online reference service. Following a chat session, users can request a transcript of their online discussion by email.

While the campus remains closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Research and Learning librarians staff this service remotely from 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Librarians at other AJCU member institutions and librarians on contract provide back-up and after-hours service. Chat service is not available Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Independence Day.

Download a mobile app here for Android and iOS.

Guidelines for Use

  • Use this chat service to ask questions about research, and library resources, services, and policies.
  • Research and Learning staff may ask users with questions too complex for chat to proceed by email, telephone call, or Zoom meeting.
  • Harassment and misconduct of any type will not be tolerated. Common courtesies are expected and appreciated.

Who May Use This Service?

Chat is available to all LUC students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but questions from patrons not affiliated with LUC will also be accepted. Only current students, faculty, and staff will have off-campus access to licensed databases and online resources.

Privacy Statement

The University Libraries are dedicated to protecting your privacy. Providing your email address allows us to send you a transcript of the session, or to send you additional information related to your question. We will not share your email address or use it for other purposes. Transcripts of chats are kept for quality control and training purposes only. Detailed privacy information is available.