askON is standing by to help you.

Need information? Overwhelmed by what's out there? Not finding what you're looking for? Try askON and get real-time one-on-one assistance from librarians all over the province!

You can chat online with a live research expert from one of over 50 libraries in Ontario. Click the askON logo to get started!

Service hours:

When the service is closed you can send an email message to your local library.

What is askON?

askON is a chat-based research help service brought to you by Knowledge Ontario and Ontario libraries. You may be connected to someone from outside your library system.

Who can use it?

We accept questions from users of Ontario libraries and from individuals outside Ontario but may, depending on the question and staff availability, refer you to your local library. Even if a referral is necessary, we'll always try to find enough information to get you started. Restrictions may apply to licensed databases.

Who am I chatting with?

You are getting help from a real person. 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.

Be patient with us. There are 2-4 librarians online but sometimes we are busy managing large numbers of people asking questions at the same time.

What level of service can I expect?

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!

At the end of you chat you can print a transcript of your session or request it by email.

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

What about my privacy?

askON collects the minimum amount of information from visitors necessary to provide effective service. Your email address is not stored and will not be used for any other purpose.

Learn more at askON.ca