How Libraries Participate

AskMN was created as a way for libraries to provide digital reference service to their patrons and community in a collaborative setting to allow for continuity of service, ease in starting up the service, and centralized training and administrative support.

For information on participating and to hear from currently participating libraries contact ask at askmn dot org.

Benefits to Your Library Users

  • Provide library service beyond your library hours, 24/7
  • Point of time and need contact
  • Experienced, quality service
  • Access to text and hot links of sites visited after their session

Benefits to Your Staff

  • Offer cutting-edge reference skills for library staff members
  • Improve staff reference skills through training, mentoring, and collaboration
  • Centralized training and support
  • Marketing and promotion handled centrally
  • Connect with reference staff throughout Minnesota

Benefits to Participating Libraries

  • Extend access to your collections, resources, other services to your patrons 24/7
  • Serve your patrons in a new way
  • Manage all of your reference (live chat, IM, telephone, email, and in-person) using the QuestionPoint question management tool
  • Be part of an innovative and popular service
  • Reach new patrons and improve service to current patrons
  • Gather statistics and patron feedback from central location
  • Limits local staffing commitment
  • Provided with a customizable email submission form and IM Widget as part of the full online reference management system
  • Network of cooperative librarians and access to extended resources