Welcome to askON, a chat and SMS info service brought to you by Ontario Colleges Library Service (OCLS) and participating Ontario college libraries. We can help you find materials on your topic, answer questions about your library, or help you develop a research strategy. You may be connected to someone from outside your library system, but they can help you with your info needs.
askON Service Hours
askON will be closed on regular holidays and when colleges are normally closed. When the service is closed you may email a question to your library. The click-to-chat button will direct you to your college library contact page.
We accept questions from visitors of Ontario college libraries but may, depending on the question and staff availability, refer you to your library. We'll always try to find enough information to get you started. Restrictions may apply to licensed databases.
Be patient with us. There are 2-3 librarians online but sometimes we are busy managing large numbers of visitors. You are getting help from a real person, so 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.
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!
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 https://www.ocls.ca/services/askontario.