Look who’s chatting now…Real-time information and research services are coming to the Pickering Public Library this fall. Look who’s chatting now…Real-time information and research services are coming to the Pickering Public Library this fall. The Pickering Public Library is one of the newest members of askON, the real-time research and information service staffed by Ontario’s libraries. askON uses real-time chat technology to connect visitors with experienced librarians who can help find authoritative online information on a broad range of subjects…for free. By clicking the askON logo on the Library website and typing in a question, students, consumers, businesspeople and other information seekers will be able to immediately chat with skilled askON staff located in an Ontario library. askON can help locate answers to quick questions, assist with more complicated research needs, deliver links to authoritative online information and provide help with search and digital literacy skills. This service is available in both English and French. askON launched a pilot service in January 2008 with public libraries from 10 Ontario communities. A recently completed third party survey of the pilot service revealed a high level of visitor satisfaction (99.3%). On the strength of these promising results, askON is expanding this fall into several selected communities around the province, including Pickering. The service will be available through the Pickering Library web site ( www.picnet.org ) beginning on Monday, September 8th. A list of participating libraries and current hours can be found at www.askon.ca. |
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