Information for Libraries

Q: What are the advantages of this program for libraries?

Free Service
Live online reference service for onsite and offsite patrons
Available: Monday-Thursday: 9am-11pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-11pm
Staffed by library science graduate students and professional librarians
Minimal maintenance needed on the part of your college’s librarians
Stats and chat transcripts available upon request
No downloads necessary for users
Can expand upon existing email or chat reference services
Customized chat widgets available

FAQ's

Q: What would be required on the part of my library?

Fill out a new library application form
Add a widget or link to your page

Optional:

Provide Ask Now Texas with a user name a password for access to your databases and online resources. This is encouraged so that volunteer librarians can see the same interface that patrons are viewing. However, we understand that not every library allows this, and we can work around it.
Have some librarians or staff from your library volunteer. This is not required, but if any library staff members have time and would like to volunteer and provide feedback on the service, this is welcomed.

Q: What types of questions do you answer?

Some examples of the types of questions we answer:

Do you have books on microbiology?
I need to use the databases and I can’t find any articles
I’m looking for information about the health care system in Nigeria
How do I use MLA?
How do I get a map of this area?
I can’t log into the library databases, what should I do?
I can’t log into the library databases, what should I do?

We are not always able to answer technology related questions, but we try to direct patrons to the correct department or individual who can best assist them.

Q: Do we have the option to discontinue the service if we later decide we no longer want/need it?

Yes, it is possible to cancel service at any time.