NEWMARKET, Ontario, January 14, 2011 – Newmarket Public Library, Aurora Public Library, and Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library today announced they have joined askON, an online research help and information service operated by staff members from Ontario libraries, colleges and universities.
“askON was created to help anyone who has ever been frustrated in their search for accurate, dependable information on the Internet,” says Todd Kyle, CEO of Newmarket Public Library. “Instead of spending hours surfing they can simply talk with a professional research librarian who will direct them to the information they need.”
Carolyn Nordheimer James, CEO of Whitchurch-Stouffville concurs. “The key is the reliability of the online
information that trained staff can direct people to, whether it’s facts for students doing school projects, statistics
for researchers, or data for parents on books for children.”
To take advantage of askON people need only visit their local libray’s website where they can click on the askON logo, and then type in a question. Their question will be reviewed by an Ontario research expert who will respond to them either immediately or as soon as possible to assist them in locating information.
Louise Proctor Maio, CEO of Aurora Public Library, points out another advantage of askON. “For people who may find it difficult to visit the library due to an illness or disability, the service allows them to easily get informed and reliable information without having to leave their home.”
Begun in 2008, askON demonstrates the power of collaboration. There are currently 42 public libraries, 14 colleges and 7 universities that provide the service, which is available 45 hours per week. Newmarket Public Library, Aurora Public Library, Whitchurch-Stoufville Public Library and Georgina Public Libraries join a growing list of communities throughout Ontario that include Barrie, Belleville, Brampton, Sudbury, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Vaughan, Waterloo, Windsor, and many others. A list of all the participating members can be found at www.askon.ca.
Operational, administrative and technical costs of running askON are provided by Knowledge Ontario, a non-profit collaborative of organizations that includes public libraries, colleges, universities, museums, and more.
For further information please contact:
Todd Kyle, CEO
Newmarket Public Library
905-953-5110 Ext. 4670
Louise Procter Maio, CEO
Aurora Public Library
905-727-9494 Ext. 221
Carolyn Nordheimer James, CEO
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library
905-642-7323 Ext. 223