Resources For Alumni

Alumni Ask a Librarian - FAQs

Welcome to Pepperdine University Libraries' Ask a Librarian FAQs section. Our Ask a Librarian service helps deliver reference services via e-mail and instant messaging. With our Ask a Librarian reference service, Pepperdine reference librarians can answer any questions you have about library resources or services, finding materials via our Library Catalog, and selecting and searching useful databases, journals, and websites.

* Q 1. When are Ask a Librarian email questions answered?
   A. Questions are generally answered within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
       Questions received on the weekend, however, are addressed the
       following Monday.

* Q 2. What kinds of questions can I ask?
   A. Pepperdine reference librarians can answer any questions you
       have about library resources or services, finding materials via our
       Library Catalog, and selecting and searching useful databases,
       journals, and websites.

* Q 3. How do I install instant messaging (chat) and the Google Desktop?
   A. To install instant messaging, please visit either our AIM or AIM Express
       and our Google Desktop Search installation pages.

* Q 4. Can I use the instant messaging service from home?
   A. Yes, since our instant messaging service is web-based, you can 
       use the service from home.  Note: The latest version is available
       for Windows 98/ME/WinNT4/2000/XP and Macintosh OSX computers.
       Click here for the full systems requirements. To download AIM for
       Windows or Mac, click here. Beta versions of AIM are sometimes
       available and contain exciting new features that are not generally
       released yet, but may not be fully stable yet. Click here to see what
       beta versions are available.  There is also a Java version called
       "AIM Express", that allows you to send your buddies instant messages
       when you are not at a computer that has AIM installed. Click here for
       information about AOL's AIM Express. Finally, AIM versions are available
       for Linux, Palm, Palm i705 and Windows CE/PocketPC.  You can also use
       AIM with most handheld Windows CE devices.
 

 * Q 5. What if I can't get through to the instant message (chat) service
          or no one answers?
   A. If all the librarians are busy with other patrons, you may also
       contact reference librarians at the following locations: 

Reference Desk Phone Numbers: