askON is a live, chat-based information and research service offered by college and university libraries in Ontario.

Get help with research for term papers, assignments and other academic projects. Library staff is available to chat in real-time and help you:

• formulate research questions
• find and select resources on your topic
• evaluate information sources

Service hours:  
SPRING/SUMMER HOURS START APRIL 26

The askON chat reference service is staffed by library staff from Ontario postsecondary institutions. You may be chatting with staff from a different institution/library. We accept questions from students and faculty at other Ontario universities and colleges but 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 askON.

Service Hours

• Monday-Friday from 12 NOON - 4 PM

When the service is closed you can choose to send an email to your library. askON will be closed on regular holidays and when campus libraries are normally closed.

Service Level
Chat reference sessions often take 15-20 minutes. In certain circumstances, you may be referred to another institution, source or contact with the required subject expertise. More complex questions may need to be discussed in person at your local library, but askON 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.