By Corinne on June 30, 2026
Summertime doesn't mean the curiosity stops! Your students and patrons have questions year-round – as these Tales From the Co-Op attest! We're sharing a new batch of transcripts from the 24/7 Chat Cooperative, our service where skilled librarians answer whatever query comes their way. Whether your library is overwhelmed, understaffed, or looking for after-hours coverage, the Chat Co-Op is ready to step in and provide your local patrons with prompt answers from a network of MLS-degreed librarians.
One of our favorite features of the Chat Co-Op? 24/7/365 reference help from librarians all around the globe. 🌍 One patron shared that their librarian was "Super talented, helpful, and patient." and added that it's "Really cool to see the libraries work together across time zones."
In these interactions highlighted here, we've removed any identifiable information and added fun pseudonyms for the patrons and librarians – privacy is paramount to us!
Curious Queries
Witness the magic that happens when this patron and librarian get curious about one striking bird's migration habits. There's nothing birdbrained about this question! 🐦
May 24, 2026 | 7:45 pm
Pacey Patron: I think I saw a redheaded woodpecker today but I wasn't sure. Do you know if they are migratory and where they usually live?
Linus Librarian: Hi Pacey. Let me check and see if I can find that information for you.
Linus Librarian: Have you seen them before?
Pacey Patron: I have, yes. It had the white stripes on the wings that I recognize.
Linus Librarian: Stunning looking bird, great colors.
Linus Librarian: This one has a useful map: CornellLab All About Birds: Red-headed Woodpecker
Linus Librarian: "Migration: Irregular short-distance or partial migrant. Red-headed Woodpeckers usually leave the northern and western parts of their range for winter, but where they go depends on acorn and beech nut crops. During migration seasons they may wander widely in loose flocks (possibly family groups), moving during daytime in the fall and nighttime in the spring."
Pacey Patron: Oh this map is perfect.
Pacey Patron: Okay so not too far then.
Linus Librarian: Yes, looks like only short migrations.
Pacey Patron: Very cool. Thanks for the map and the info, Linus!
Linus Librarian: You're welcome, Pacey.
Linus Librarian: And thanks for highlighting this bird. I used to love to look at the bird books when young.
Pacey Patron: They're really great. I just got some binoculars so I'm going all out now lol
Linus Librarian: If you see any more, let us know!
Pacey Patron: Will do!
FAQ-tastic Interactions
Ahhh, the satisfaction that comes with having the perfect LibAnswers FAQ on hand. Co-Op librarians can easily access, search, and share your library's curated questions to ensure your patrons get the right answer right away!
May 12, 2026 | 10:11 pm
Princeton Patron: Hi, I wanted to know if it's possible to get a book day-of?
Lucinda Librarian: Hi Princeton, I'm happy to help. Can you tell me a little more about what you need?
Princeton Patron: I was just wondering about how to get a physical book at the university library. I see online that it's in stock, but I'm assuming I just request it?
Lucinda Librarian: Yes, you can request a book that is on the shelf. Here are the instructions: *Link to FAQ removed for privacy*
Princeton Patron: Awesome! That should help out loads. Thank you!
Lucinda Librarian: You're welcome!
Spotlight on Librarian Excellence
LibAnswers FAQs aren't the only resource for Co-Op librarians and your patrons – your LibGuides A-Z Databases List can be an invaluable tool, too! Check out how this librarian explained every step in their research process to set this new library user up for success.
January 5, 2026 | 10:52 pm
Penny Patron: Hello, I am new to the library and cannot seem to locate any results surrounding evidenced-based nurse triage protocols. An example would be Schmidt Thompson protocols. Any guidance on what to search would be appreciated. Thanks.
Lydia Librarian: Hi, I'm happy to help! Was there anything in particular you needed to know about evidence-based nurse triage protocols?
Penny Patron: I would like evidence supporting standardized triage is better outcome for patient care.
Lydia Librarian: Ok great thanks. I'll see what options your library has for this search. This may take a couple minutes.
Lydia Librarian: For this search I used your library's A-Z databases link to look up available databases under the subject Nursing: *Link removed for privacy* and then chose to start with CINAHL Complete.
Lydia Librarian: Then I tried the Advanced search to have it look for the terms triage AND (protocol* OR standard*) in the title and subject fields, as well as filtered to full text and peer-reviewed: link to results*
Lydia Librarian: Can you review that results link to see if those look useful?
Penny Patron: Excellent! Thank you! I can absolutely take a look!
Penny Patron: I think I should be able to work with that information. Thanks for your help! Appreciate it!
Lydia Librarian: Great glad those will help. Did you need anything else tonight?
Penny Patron: No thanks! All set! Have a great night.
*Links to library's LibGuides A-Z Databases List and catalog removed for privacy
Want to see more Co-Op fun? Head into the archives and read our May Exchanges. For more information about the 24/7 Global Chat Cooperative, contact us and you'll be offering round-the-clock support before you know it!