By Corinne on September 29, 2026
The 24/7 Chat Cooperative is here to provide on-demand reference support, anytime, anywhere – whether that's after-hours help for public library patrons or research tips for undergrad students. This service brings libraries around the globe uninterrupted chat coverage staffed by skilled librarians.
In this blog series, we peek behind the Co-Op curtain to showcase real-life chat interactions. One patron recently shared, "The Co-Op librarian was amazing. They found information that I have been searching for over three weeks. Thank you so much!"
Dig in and see what new chats lie ahead! To preserve privacy, we've removed all identifiable details and given fun aliases to patrons and the answering Co-Op librarians.
Curious Queries
This patron threw a curveball question, but our Co-Op librarian hit this chat out of the park. Home run! ⚾
September 7, 2026 | 6:44 pm
Paige Patron: Hello! I'm looking for a comprehensive guide on baseball scorekeeping.
Leonidas Librarian: Hi Paige
Leonidas Librarian: Okay, are you looking for any specific type of materials?
Paige Patron: Books would be nice, but this seems like a quick, niche subject. So I'm open to online resources.
Leonidas Librarian: Just a moment while I complete a search.
Leonidas Librarian: Here are the search results for your library's online catalog: *Link removed for privacy*
Paige Patron: Wow, this is great.
Leonidas Librarian: I'll do another online search for additional resources.
Leonidas Librarian: MLB.com: Baseball Basics: How to Keep Score
Leonidas Librarian: KeepTheScore: How does baseball scoring work?
Leonidas Librarian: Wikipedia: Baseball scorekeeping
Leonidas Librarian: Would you like more online resources, or do you think what I've provided is sufficient?
Paige Patron: I took a brief look at what you provided, and it's more than sufficient! I appreciate the range of resources.
Leonidas Librarian: Please let us know if we can be of further service, and thanks again for chatting with the library!
Paige Patron: Thank you, Leonidas!
FAQ-tastic Interactions
We love when a chat presents an opportunity to introduce the patron to another feature of their library account. Want to save and view your checkout history? There's a LibAnswers FAQ for that!
August 14, 2026 | 6:52 pm
Pippa Patron: Hi, I am trying to see all the books I've ever read. Is there a way to do that?
Leigh Librarian: Hi, Pippa. I think you have to set your account to have it save that information, but I'll check. Are you looking for a specific book?
Pippa Patron: I actually would like the list because I plan to buy them over time. I just have some I briefly remember but would like the titles of. Is there a way I can get that?
Leigh Librarian: Most libraries only save the information if you set your own account to do that, but I'll check on your library's policy.
Pippa Patron: Okay thank you!
Leigh Librarian: Thanks for your patience! It is a setting, to preserve privacy. For that information to be saved going forward, there is help at: Where can I find the books I have read this year?*
Leigh Librarian: Unfortunately, that won't retrieve past information.
Leigh Librarian: Is there more I might do to help for now?
Pippa Patron: No that was it. Thank you!
Leigh Librarian: You're very welcome – Come back anytime at all!
*Link to library's LibAnswers FAQ removed for privacy
Spotlight on Librarian Excellence
Considering opposing viewpoints is a key part of understanding a topic fully. Here, our librarians dig in to find resources that this patron has struggled to track down on their own. We won't lie – our librarian hearts are warmed to hear that most of the articles out there are against book bans!
Bonus: See how two Co-Op librarians tag-team this chat – just one of the benefits of built-in backup!
April 1, 2026 | 11:58 pm
Pascal Patron: I'm having trouble finding sources with a view in favor of banning books.
Louis Librarian: Welcome! That is always a hard one.
Louis Librarian: Let me see if I can tease anything out for you.
Pascal Patron: Thank you
Louis Librarian: I did a couple searches and maybe this list might have something...you will have to scour it. I hope it does. *link to results*
Louis Librarian: I have reached the end of my work time but another librarian will step in to offer more assistance.
Pascal Patron: Ok. I'm going to look through the list. Thank you.
Laurel Librarian: Hi, Pascal
Laurel Librarian: Let me see what has happened so far.
Laurel Librarian: It sounds like you are going to look through the search results that the other librarian gave you, right?
Pascal Patron: Yes. So far it's still about how book bans are bad. I'm looking for the opposing view.
Laurel Librarian: Have you tried the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database?
Laurel Librarian: That database should give two sides.
Laurel Librarian: And you could also search for book challenges.
Laurel Librarian: But this is the Book Banning Topic Guide* from the Opposing Viewpoints database.
Pascal Patron: Thank you so much! I appreciate this so much!
Laurel Librarian: You're welcome!
Laurel Librarian: I wonder if CQ Researcher would have something, too.
Pascal Patron: What is CQ Researcher?
Laurel Librarian: It is another database that has Pro/Con topics: *link to database*
Laurel Librarian: CQ Researcher has:
Reports that explore a single current issue in the news in depth. Topics range from social and teen issues to environment, health, education and science and technology.
Laurel Librarian: I think that the Opposing Viewpoints database will be your best bet, though.
Pascal Patron: I think so as well.
Laurel Librarian: Did you see this one? Book Banning Protects Family Values* I think it fits what you're trying to find?
Laurel Librarian: Also: School Libraries Should Restrict Students' Access to Controversial Books*
Laurel Librarian: And Parents Must Protect Children from Offensive Material in Books*
Laurel Librarian: Is that the type of thing you needed?
Pascal Patron: Yes. Thank you again. You have been amazingly helpful.
*Links to library's catalog and resources removed for privacy
If you missed our previous post in this series, be sure to catch up with the August Exchanges. For more information about the 24/7 Global Chat Cooperative, contact us to get started with round-the-clock help for your library patrons!