The IUPUI Library in Indianapolis (http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/) offers a wide selection of materials at the physical location, but at the same time the library provides virtual services and materials to better aid the patrons of their library. One of these services is the "Ask the Librarian" function advertised on the their homepage. The service is a instant message chat system that allows the patrons additional access to the library, even from great distances on the internet. People are able to get online so that a reference librarian can communicate with them about their questions, varying from research assistance to information about materials available in the library. It appears to be a relatively quick system, where the librarian on duty get back to the patron in a decent amount of time to help them with their questions. The librarian seems to follow a standard reference interview, where they ask the patron to wait while they look for information about their question. This may take a few minutes in order for the librarian on the other end to find the information the patron might require, then they bring up this first and query on if they need more information while informing the patron while possibly teaching them how to find additional information within the library. This online tool adds an important aspect to the library, the ability to communicate with librarians online can greatly aid a student or other patron who is working on research or other library related conundrum.

While the IUPUI library offers other online and virtual services, the online "Ask a Librarian" instant messaging tool can be one of the greatest to offer to the patrons and students. It allows easy access to the librarians and library assistance for patrons that are either a long distance from the library or otherwise unable to come to the library in person.