Library programs online
By Susan Baues Innisfil Public Library

The Innisfil Public Library is delighted to have the opportunity to bring you monthly library news through this Innisfil Scope column. As the first installment, we have an exciting new service recently available to Innisfil residents. Got a question? Researching a topic? Need project help? Want to know if your favourite author has a new book out? You can now chat in real time with a librarian and get the information you need.

The Innisfil Public Library, in partnership with Ask Ontario, has launched a chat-based, interactive information and research service through our library website at www.innisfil.library.on.ca. As one of 10 public library systems from around the province participating in the first phase of this innovative project, the library will contribute staff hours and in return will be able to offer 40 hours of real-time, interactive chat service to the Innisfil community.

By simply clicking on the askON logo from the library website, information seekers will be able to immediately chat with skilled askON staff located in an Ontario library. Through askON, residents can help find answers to quick questions and assist with more complicated research needs - seekers get links to authoritative sources and receive help finding articles.

In addition to IPL, participating public libraries, include Hamilton, Kingston Frontenac, London, Middlesex County, North Bay, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County, Sudbury, Vaughan and Welland.

Ask Ontario is the project of Knowledge Ontario, and is focused on planning, delivering and managing province-wide, real time library information. and research services.