askON Live Chat Reference

 

Chat live with askON’s expert staff and get help finding answers to your questions.

 

 

What is it?

 

askON is an interactive information and research service for Ontarians offered by public libraries in the province. We answer questions on a wide range of subjects. Let us use our skills and experience to help you find better information than you could on your own.

 

 

 

Who can use it?

 

We accept questions from users of Ontario libraries and from individuals outside Ontario.  We may, depending on the question and staff availability, refer you to your local library.

 

 

 

Who am I chatting with?

 

The askON chat service is jointly staffed by 22 public libraries, 9 college libraries and 5 university libraries located throughout Ontario.

 

 

 

What are the hours?

 

AskON's normal service hours are:

 

Monday - Thursday

12:30 - 8:30

 

Friday - Saturday

12:30 - 4:30


AskON will be on summer hours from June 15th to Sept. 4.

 

Monday - Friday:

12:30pm - 4:30

 

The askON service will be closed on regular holidays and when public libraries are normally closed. When the service is closed you can send an email message to askus@kpl.org.

 

 

 

What level of service can I expect?

 

Chat reference sessions often take 10-15 minutes. In certain circumstances, you may be referred to another institution, source or contact who has the required local expertise, but we will try to provide you with information to get you started. Certain restrictions will apply to licensed databases for non-library card holders.

 

askON staff cannot provide you with your library barcode number or access your library records. If you have a question about your library record or have forgotten your library barcode number, please call or visit your local Library.


There is a short survey at the end of your chat session. Please provide us with your feedback so that we can enhance, expand and improve the service.

 

 

 

What types of question can I ask?

 

askON is ideally suited to questions that can be answered using the Internet and “quick answer” types of questions. Also, guidance on homework-related questions can be provided through the AskON service. Involved research questions, genealogy questions or questions that require demonstration of a resource might be better suited to a physical trip to your local library.

 

 

 

How do I connect?

 

A connection to the Internet (preferably DSL or cable) and a web browser (preferably Internet Explorer or Firefox) is all that is needed. Click on the askON button during the hours of service and you will be connected automatically. You will be asked to fill out a short form that will help us to answer your question.

 

 

 

What about my privacy?

 

askON collects only the minimum amount of information from visitors necessary to provide effective service. At the end of your chat you can print a transcript of your session or request it by email. Your email address is not stored and will not be used for any other purpose.

 

Learn more at askON.ca.