askON Online Research Help

Service Hours*

Monday - Thursday:  12:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday & Saturday:  12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Sunday:  1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

*askON will be closed on regular holidays and when public libraries are normally closed.  When the service is closed you may send an email question to your library.

Welcome to askON, a chat-based research help service brought to you by Knowledge Ontario and Ontario libraries.  You may be connected to someone from outside your library system.

We accept questions from users of other Ontario libraries and from individuals outside Ontario but may, depending on the question and staff available, refer you to your local library.  Even if a referral is necessary, we'll always try to find enough information to get you started.  Restrictions may apply to licensed databases.

Policy of Mutual Respect

You are getting help from a real person.  Please be polite.  We will not answer personal questions or questions that contain offensive language.  We monitor usage and reserve the right to disconnect those who display rude or inappropriate behaviour.

Be patient with us.  There are 2 - 4 librarians online but sometimes we are busy managing large numbers of people asking questions at the same time.  A chat-based reference session may last 10 - 15 minutes or more.  If you are unable to wait, please try askON again later.  Thank you!

At the end of your chat you can print a transcript of your session or request it by email.  There is also a short survey;  please provide us with your feedback so that we can enhance, expand and improve askON.

Privacy

askON collects the minimum amount of information from visitors necessary to provide effective service.  Your email address, if given, is not stored and will not be used for any other purpose.

Learn more at www.askON.ca.