Once you have created an account with LabXchange, you will have the option to make use of our direct messaging system. Note that users must opt-in to receive messages, as well as to include their profile in search results.
Opting In
In order to allow people to find your profile and send you messages, first select My Profile from your account options in the top right-hand corner.
On the left you will see options for Other users can message me and Include my profile in LabXchange search results.
Selecting both will allow other users to find your profile by searching the LabXchange library, and to send you messages via your profile.
If you select only Include my profile in LabXchange search results, other users will be able to view any information from your profile which you have made public, but will not be able to send you messages.
Note that you will need to select Other users can message me in order to send messages, as we do not allow messages to be sent to a user if they would not have the option to reply.
Sending and Receiving Messages
Unless you are running a class, you will need to use the LabXchange search function to send messages to other registered users. If you are looking for someone specific, type all or part of their name into the Library search bar then select People to display users that could match the search.
Alternatively, you can use the advanced search options on the left to look for users based on their interests, location, etc. This could be helpful if, for example, you want to talk to someone who is active in a specific field or associated with a specific institution.
Once you have selected a user from your search results, click on their username to see their profile and any information which is visible to others. If they have opted in for messaging, an orange button will appear under their profile name which will let you start a conversation.
Messages are stored under the Messages section of your dashboard. If someone has replied to you or sent a new message, you will receive a notification which will be indicated next to the bell icon in the top right corner.
