Qwidget: Create/Update A Qwidget

[PDF version]

Use the following steps to create or update AskAway Qwidgets for use on your library website:

Skip to: Patron Waiting Messages Configuration
 

1. Login to QuestionPoint using an Administrator account (9 digit)

2. Use the drop-down Select Service menu in the top right-hand corner to go to the Administration module

Select

 

3. Select Forms > Forms Manager > Create Qwidget

Navigating

 

4. Select English from the menu of languages, and click Submit

Select

5. Choose the settings that you require:

a) Type the Qwidget Name, e.g. AskAway: Chat with a BC Librarian (or whatever phrase fits) ñ this will appear at the top of the Qwidget.

 

b) Enter an offline message that users will see when AskAway is closed. The following is an example of the kind of message you could use:

AskAway is currently closed. Please try again during service hours:
Sun - Thurs 10 AM - 9 PM
Fri - Sat 11 AM - 5 PM

To send your question by email, please click on the following link: [enter your own library email reference address mailto link here, OR use the generic AskAway page: Reference Emails by institution]

 

c) Choose the Qwidget size that you prefer. Choosing Fill means the Qwidget will fill whatever frame it is given on your webpage.

 

d) Choose the Qwidget colour that you prefer.

 

e) Select Do not Offer Email Service when Chat is not available.
**Please note: not only does AskAway not subscribe to the email feature of QuestionPoint (rendering this useless), it is illegal for us to collect email addresses from patrons. It is very important that this setting be set correctly.

f) For Mask Patron IP addresses, choose Yes. This is another essential setting that will protect patron privacy.

g) For Require Email for Patron Chat, choose No.

h) For Nudge Patron to Enter Email Address, choose No.

6. Customise the Qwidget Patron Waiting Messages Configuration. Below is one suggested configuration:

7. Once you are satisfied with your selections, click on Submit.

8. Once you see the Qwidget Configuration Updated notice, if you wish, you may test your Qwidget by clicking Test.

Please note:
The Qwidget can only be tested when someone is staffing the 'live' queue, not the practise queue. Please perform tests during regular service hours if possible.
When you are testing the Qwidget during AskAway open hours, the AskAway closed message that you set earlier will not be displayed.
As a courtesy to any other colleagues who are online, please alert them that you are testing.

9. Copy and paste the code into your website code for as many webpages as you choose.

 

It is helpful to insert some wording near the Qwidget on the webpage so that users know what it is for. For example, with a Qwidget on a Article Databases page, you might put: Don't know which database to choose? Ask a Librarian.

Some examples of Qwidget implementations:
 

 

If you have any questions about the Qwidget, please contact the AskAway Administrative Centre.