AskON

Chat live with librarians and get help finding research and information!

A Special Appeal:
Knowledge Ontario is asking for your stories, anecdotes, facts, and examples of how the services we offer through our library and cultural partners at no additional cost are making a real difference in the lives of all Ontarians. Tell us how askON is making a difference for you!


Monday - Thursday:
11 am - 10 pm
Friday - Sunday:
11 am - 5 pm.

askON is closed on regular holidays and when campus libraries are normally closed.

When the service is closed you can choose to email us or click on the askON logo to fill out a form.

askON is a live, chat-based information and research service offered by post-secondary libraries in the province, delivering immediate, interactive, and knowledgeable research help to college and university students in Ontario. Get help with research for term papers, assignments and other academic projects. Library staff are available to chat in real-time and help you:

  • formulate research topics
  • find library and online resources on your topic
  • select and access appropriate resources
  • evaluate sources of information


The askONchat reference service is jointly staffed by libraries from Ontario post-secondary institutions. We will accept questions from students and faculty at other Ontario colleges but we may, depending on the question and staff availability, refer you to your local library.

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

Service Level

Chat reference sessions often take 15-20 minutes. In certain circumstances, you may be referred to another institution, source or contact who has the required subject expertise. More complex questions may need to be discussed in person at your local library, but we will try to provide you with information to get you started. Certain restrictions will apply to licensed databases for non-students.

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.