Behind the scenes with Live Chat

Last year, the Library responded to over 7,000 enquiries through the Live Chat function on the website. Did you know that each one is answered by a real-life Library staff member?
Library staff working at a table together Library staff working at a table together

Library staff working at a table together

In addition to the Library’s multiple locations across University campuses, the Library website is one of our most frequented ‘sites’. For many, accessing resources online enables fast, thorough and remote research. 

As demands for the Library’s online services grew, the Live Chat function was added in October 2015. Whilst it may look like just a small, orange button, Live Chat has become one of our most vital services. Each day, a rotation of Library staff are on hand to answer and triage submitted questions. 

Enquiries come from across the University, from undergraduates to researchers, and the international community. If queries can’t be answered immediately or are submitted out of staffed hours, they are responded to within 2 business days, often sooner. 

The Library is continuously working to improve and streamline our services, including Live Chat. For example, from next week, users can login with their UniKey when messaging via Live Chat, which will minimise chat time and streamline the enquiry process. 

So, if you have any Library-related questions, go ahead and click the Live Chat button. Our staff are at the ready to answer!

 

Absolutely outstanding service. This is my first interaction with the library and was expecting Live Chat to be run by a bot and therefore not helpful. I was connected to a real human being who gave me invaluable advice. Thank you.

Live Chat user

Helpful and prompt, couldn't ask for a better live chat experience. Thanks to everyone at the library for developing such awesome services!

Live Chat user

Very friendly and helpful! Made me feel very safe. Thank you.

Live Chat user

Excellent support – so quick and solved my problem – wish I had jumped on to this chat about 3hrs ago!

Live Chat user