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.pbworks.com) or reports (askaway.pbworks.com/AskAway-Reports).

 

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