About AskAway
AskAway is a consortium of Wisconsin libraries formed to offer Virtual Reference services to the library patrons of Wisconsin. This Virtual Reference service is the resulting amalgamation of AskWisconsin Librarians and South Central Library System's AskAway. AskAway uses the QuestionPoint/247 Reference system to deliver chat based and email reference to their patrons.
Each of the participating libraries offer direct email based reference service and are participating in a shared world-wide chat-based reference service. The shared chat service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year providing live on line reference service to library patrons. Each AskAway library contributes as it can some coverage time to the 24/7 cooperative (see coverage grid).
AskAway participating libraries comprise all types and sizes, see the current listing below. The consortium is open to any Wisconsin library to join.
To Join:
- For membership information, contact Kathy Schneider (schneid at wils.wisc.edu)
- For implementation and training information, contact Mark Beatty (mbeatty at wils.wisc.edu)
- Administrators can review the QuestionPoint/247Reference system (askaway.pbwiki.com) or reports (askaway.pbwiki.com/Admin+Reports)
- Check the library QuestionPoint Service terms-PDF
- Check the QuestionPoint Patron Terms of Service-PDF
- Access the open-to-all AskAway electronic discussion group (listserv) that we've titled Virt-Ref, see askaway.pbwiki.com
Virtual Reference Best Practices Series
 |
Thursday, July 17, 2008; 10:30-Noon |
Illinois will be hosting:
- Business update
- General best practices reminders
- More details to come....
General WisLine Registration:
Register for sessions and receive specific attendance instructions at: www.uwex.edu/ics/wlwreg/wlwwelcome.cfm
Select Wisconsin Library Services, then scroll down and select Virtual Reference Best Practices to go to registration form. articipants will receive an email with URL login information, as well as, phone numbers for the audio portion of the session. If your call is a toll-free call to Madison, please use the local 316-0022 number. If your call is a toll call to Madison, use the WisLine toll-free 1-888-677-9189 number. Once you've registered you will receive specific login information.
We welcome, and need your input on topics for upcoming sessions.
What kinds of issues are you encountering in AskAway? Are your staff members who suppport AskAway confused/concerned/uncertain about any aspects of AskAway? We can share our experience and suggestions, but only if you speak up.
NOTE: We record all the Best Practices sessions. You need Windows Media Player 9 (or better) and a high speed internet connection in order to view the archive. Windows Media Player 9 can display all aspects of a meeting including live demonstrations. Media Player 9 is available from the Microsoft web site at: www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx
June 19, 2008 Best Practices (recording)
- Business update - what's new and noteworthy in the QuestionPoint world
- The British are coming, The British are coming ... UK libraries join the cooperative
- Review of the best sources on art and artists - how to satisfy your "Antiques Road Show" patrons
- Discussion of AskAway test in Wisconsin schools - the who, what, when & where
- Update on public relations activities - including the summer YouTube contest
- General best practices reminders - and discussion of handling difficult repeat clients
- Transcript review - always interesting and hopefully informative
May 15, 2008 Best Practices (recording)
Jim Hahn of the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign will lead discussion of the following topics:
• Mobile learning
• AskAway Illinois pricing for 2009
• Recap of the annual IOUG (Illinois OCLC Users Group) meeting
April 24, 2008 Best Practices (recording)
Topics covered:
- Business update
- Fall launch of AskAway test in select Wisconsin schools
- Update on public relations activities including the summer YouTube contest and the newsletter
- Recommended sources for responding to technology/computing questions/new media questions
- Some general best practice reminders
- Transcript review
2008 Schedule: January 17; February 21; March 20; April 24; May 15; June 19; July 17; August 21; September 18; October 16; November 20; December 18.
Enhancement Online Series
QuestionPoint Enhancements Webinars introduced and demonstrated all the latest major QuestionPoint updates installed on March 2nd, 2008. The new enhancements will have a significant impact on patrons' use of the QuestionPoint service and will further the ease of use on the librarian side. These latest enhancements include the chat widget, the elimination of Asterisks and more robust Spam tools. For details about all the enhancements check out the latest QuestionPoint blog posting at: questionpoint.blogs.com
The QuestionPoint Enhancements Online Series run from 11 to Noon. Each Webinar covers a different portion of the enhancements. If you would like to schedule more sessions contact Mark Beatty at 608.265.5719.
- Spam fighting and Reports (review March 24, 2008)
-
Forms creation and the Chat2 interface (review March 17, 2008)
- Qwidget and Asterisks (review March 10, 2008)
NOTE: We record all the Best Practices sessions. You need Windows Media Player 9 (or better) and a high speed internet connection in order to view the archive. Windows Media Player 9 can display all aspects of a meeting including live demonstrations. Media Player 9 is available from the Microsoft web site at: www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx
AskAway Consortium Members:
Academic Libraries
Carthage
Edgewood
St Norbert
Viterbo
UW Milwaukee
UW Oshkosh
UW Whitewater
Technical Institutions
Chippewa Valley
Fox Valley Tech
Moraine Park Tech
Northeast Tech
WI Indianhead Tech
WISPALS
Public Library Systems
Arrowhead
Eastern Shores
IFLS
Kenosha
Lakeshores
Manitowoc
Mid-Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Nicolet
Northern Waters
OWLS
SCLS
Waukesha
Winnefox
Wisconsin Reference & Loan
Recorded Online Sessions
Best Practices:
June 19, 2008
May 15, 2008
April 24, 2008
March 20, 2008
February 21, 2008
January 17, 2008
QP Enhancements:
March 24, 2008
March 17, 2008
March 10, 2008
AskAway Links
About QuestionPoint/247
AskAway Best Practices
AskAway wiki publicity
Consortial information, contact Kathy Schneider schneid at wils.wisc.edu
Implementation and training, contact Mark Beatty mbeatty at wils.wisc.edu