By Kirsten on March 30, 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of Tales From the Co-Op! If you missed last month's post, check out our February exchanges here. Plus, we're currently hiring for a Co-Op Reference Librarian – details below!
Springshare's 24/7 Global Chat Cooperative ensures your patrons receive round-the-clock service. Whether you're looking for after-hours coverage, backup during busy periods, or a helping hand while your librarians are occupied, the Co-Op is designed to meet the needs of modern libraries and their patrons – anytime, anywhere!
We're Hiring for the Chat Co-Op!
Do you do your best work when the rest of the world is asleep? We're looking for a part-time Co-Op Reference Librarian to join our team. Available shifts are focused on very late night / very early morning hours in the U.S. We encourage applications from night owls, early risers, and applicants in time zones outside the U.S. who may find these hours a natural fit.
This is a fully remote, work-from-home position. The ideal candidate holds an MLS degree, brings at least two years of virtual reference experience, and has a proven track record of working independently in a remote environment.
If you're a skilled online reference librarian who's passionate about connecting users with the help they need, whenever they need it, we'd love to hear from you!
To showcase the 24/7 Global Chat Cooperative, we're highlighting these interactions from the Co-Op. Privacy is important to us, so we've removed all personally identifiable information and have used fun pseudonyms for the patrons and librarians.
Curious Queries
This chat highlights some of the interesting and unique questions our Co-Op librarians receive on a daily basis. Connecting with patrons over shared interests makes providing reference support even more fun – for both parties!
March 3, 2026 | 8:40 pm
Preston Patron: I am researching students who are twice exceptional (gifted and ADHD) and need to find a study done in the last five years but having trouble locating one. Can you help me?
Levi Librarian: Hello! Yes, let me look at what databases you have access to and we can go from there.
Levi Librarian: Your library has OneSearch which lets you search the catalog, as well as databases. Let's start there and if we don't find good references there we can head over to specific databases.
Levi Librarian: Are you trying to stay in the US or are you ok with international studies?
Preston Patron: I would prefer US studies since I'm relating it to classes here.
Levi Librarian: This first search got some interesting results, but seems to pull a lot of international studies: link to results*
Levi Librarian: If we try adding in US, that seems to get better results: link to results*
Levi Librarian: Are these results close to what you are looking for?
Preston Patron: The first few are helpful, but I'm looking more for elementary aged students.
Levi Librarian: Ok, if we add "primary" to our search, that seems to get younger students: link to results*
Preston Patron: It does! Thank you!
Levi Librarian: This is the search I used so that it will pull either term, elementary or primary grade:
Levi Librarian: ADHD and gifted students (elementary or primary) United States
Levi Librarian: Are you familiar with how to get the full text and the citation for the articles you want?
Preston Patron: I am. Thank you for all of your help!
Preston Patron: I found a source for my research that will work well.
Levi Librarian: You are welcome. Have a good evening and come back to the chat if you need more help.
*Links to library catalog removed for privacy
FAQ-tastic Interactions
This interaction is an excellent example of how Co-Op librarians across the world can use LibAnswers FAQs to streamline chat convos and provide consistent service, chat after chat!
March 13, 2026 | 5:29 am
Paige Patron: Hello, I am a student at *University name removed for privacy* and an East London resident. I have been approved for the SCONUL Access. I am interested in using your library to study. Is it possible to join? If so, what proof/evidence do you need me to bring?
Lyla Librarian: Hi Paige, I'm a librarian from the US who is helping answer this library's questions while the local librarians are not online. Let me find that information for you.
Paige Patron: Great, thanks!
Lyla Librarian: Ok, I have found this: FAQ link*
Lyla Librarian: To be able to use our libraries you will need to have applied via the SCONUL Access scheme to your home institution. If they accept your application, they will send you a SCONUL Access approval email.
Once you have your approval email, you can apply for a library account with us by completing the application form.
To complete your application, you will need to upload both the approval email and a passport style photo of yourself.
We will aim to process your application within 2 working days, but this may vary depending on staff availability. Once your application has been processed, you will be invited by email to collect your new library card. Please wait for the invite before you visit us. You will need to visit during staffed hours.
On your first visit you will need to bring the invite email and your home institution ID card to gain entry. Please arrive no later than 30 minutes before the help desk closes.
Paige Patron: Thank you, I think I have all the information I need now.
Lyla Librarian: You're very welcome! Thanks for using the chat!
*Link to library FAQ removed for privacy
Spotlight on Librarian Excellence
Librarians provide incredible reference support every day, and this includes our Co-Op librarians! Take a look at this chat for an example of some of that great librarian work.
January 12, 2026 | 7:08 pm
Petunia Patron: Do you have recommendations for books on art movements like Bauhaus or Dada? I am taking Art History 102 this semester and think these art movements are interesting. Are there any great books involving its history or art pieces?
Luna Librarian: Hi Petunia! We can check your library's catalog to see what they have. Do you prefer ebooks, physical books, or either?
Petunia Patron: I prefer physical books.
Luna Librarian: Okay, I tried this search: "art movement" AND (Bauhaus OR Dada)
Luna Librarian: We only get 8 results that are all online: link to results*
Luna Librarian: So I tried a broader search of: "art movement"
Luna Librarian: Which gives us many more: link to results*
Petunia Patron: Thank you so much! I found what I am looking for.
Luna Librarian: You are most welcome! Chat again if you need more support – we're here 24/7 and always happy to help.
*Links to library catalog removed for privacy
Contact us for more information about the 24/7 Global Chat Cooperative so you can get started offering round-the-clock support today!