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askON is a real-time chat research and information service developed by Ontario libraries and Ask Ontario. Participating public and post-secondary libraries contribute staff to askON's collective schedule.

askON responds to questions on a wide range of subjects. We accept requests from visitors outside participating libraries but we may, depending on the availability of resources, refer you to your local library.

Using chat, askON staff provide research guidance and can help you navigate the Internet, your library's services, and other online resources; including several significant, full text magazine and newspaper resources licensed for the use of Ontarians by Knowledge Ontario (www.knowledgeontario.ca). If you provide an email address after the end of your chat session, a transcript will be delivered to your email address.

askON is a collaboration of public and post-secondary libraries each of whom has offered up some of their staff time to make the service possible. Using state-of-the-art software from LivePerson (liveperson.com) askON offers 40 hours a week of chat reference service to public library visitors and over 60 hours a week to post-secondary students.