By Kirsten on June 10, 2025
When your patrons visit your library’s website with a question, the last thing they want is a confusing experience or a dead-end chatbot. That’s why LibAnswers Chatbot is designed differently. This isn’t artificial intelligence – it’s librarian intelligence.
LibAnswers Chatbot is a rule-based, decision-tree-style answering engine. That means you design the conversation flow. You choose the language. You control the resources shared. And most importantly, you create an experience that reflects your library’s voice and services – no guesswork involved.
Let’s explore how to build a more helpful, human-sounding Chatbot, complete with writing tips, examples, and smart ideas for connecting patrons to your existing library tools.
Tips for Writing Natural & Helpful Chatbot Prompts
Well-written chatbot content feels friendly, clear, and purposeful. Here’s how to write like a librarian, not a robot:
1. Use Conversational Language
Avoid stiff or overly formal wording. Think like a helpful librarian speaking to someone face-to-face.Instead of:
“Please select from the options provided below.”
Try:
“Hi there! What can I help you with today?”
2. Guide Users with Action-Oriented Prompts
Every prompt should invite the patron to take an action or make a choice.Examples:
• “Looking for research help?”
• “Need to reserve a study room?”
• “Want to suggest a book for our collection?”
3. Keep Responses Short & Scannable
Brevity keeps things moving. Break long messages into smaller chunks or link out to full resources.Instead of:
“Our library provides many services to help you study, including access to online databases, reservable study spaces, and one-on-one help with research questions.”
Try:
“Here’s how we can help:
✅ Research databases
✅ Bookable study spaces
✅ One-on-one librarian help”
Smart Ways to Share Library Resources
With built-in Springshare integrations, you can link directly to relevant tools and content right from the Chatbot.
Here’s how libraries are connecting patrons with the resources they need:
| When patrons want to... | Chatbot can... | Springshare Tool |
| Find answers to common questions | Search or suggest relevant FAQs | LibAnswers |
| Connect to subject or course guides | Link to a specific LibGuide or allow users to search | LibGuides |
| Discover library databases | Route to a specific A-Z Database or let users search by subject/title | LibGuides A-Z Lists |
| Book events or appointments | Offer quick links to register or reserve time | LibCal |
| Give feedback or suggestions | Share a link to a form or survey | LibWizard |
Offer a Chat Experience Without Staffing Chat
Even if your library doesn't offer live chat, Chatbot can still provide a dynamic experience:
- Guide patrons to the right resources
- Answer common questions 24/7
- Route more complex queries to a LibAnswers Queue for email follow-up
Need live coverage? Springshare’s 24/7 Chat Cooperative can take over when a live operator is needed – giving patrons uninterrupted support.
Try It For Yourself in the Chatbot Playground
Not sure where to start? Head to the Chatbot Playground to explore examples from academic and public libraries. Interact with sample bots, get inspired by different flows, and start building your own librarian-led conversation.
Ready to Build a Better Chat Experience?
LibAnswers Chatbot helps your library deliver clear, consistent answers – without the need for live staffing or AI. Want to see how it can guide your patrons to the right resources, FAQs, and services? Get in touch with us for a personalized demo and discover how easy it is to create a smart, librarian-led Chatbot experience with LibAnswers!