Chat
Chatbot available 24/7.
Live chat: Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm; Friday: 9am-3pm; Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Contact a subject specialist
E-mail or telephone a UF Librarian specializing in a subject area.
Visit
All library hours
About the Ask a Librarian Service
Ask a Librarian is a free service for those seeking assistance with library and research-related questions from reference staff. We answer questions in-person and by phone at our in-library service desks, and online through email and instant messaging.
About Our Chatbot
Alice, the UF Libraries Chatbot, is a rule-based bot built to answer library questions. Rule-based means that the questions you can ask and the answers you receive have been pre-written by our librarians to ensure that you always receive accurate information every time you use our chatbot! Alice is regularly updated to include questions we receive often, but if you have a question she can’t answer you will always have access to live chat service with our librarians during business hours, and the ability to send us an email message on the evenings and weekends.
Scope
We primarily serve UF students, faculty, and staff, but anyone can ask a library-related question.
We specialize in information about local library resources, collections, facilities, and services. We also answer questions and comments about library-supported technologies, including our website and online resources.
We strive to answer all questions, but some are best handled by other campus units or outside organizations. If we can’t answer your question, we’ll refer you to someone who can.
Accessibility
We offer several communication options so you may choose the methods that work best for you. We are aware that our chat interface is not compatible with all assistive technologies. Please visit our Accessibility Services page for additional details.
Feedback
Please email us at ask@ufl.libanswers.com, or call us at (866) 281-6309
Privacy
We’re committed to confidentiality, in accordance with the library’s privacy statement. We will never send you unsolicited messages.
A Note about Acceptable Behavior
We treat Ask a Librarian service users with respect and courtesy. We expect service users to treat us with the same respect and courtesy. Unacceptable online behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a report to your department, school, Internet service provider, and/or law enforcement agencies.