In partnership with iSchool Ask Ontario (www.askon.ca), Knowledge Ontario’s collaborative virtual reference service, currently offered by over 35 Ontario libraries is seeking to build a pool of enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable second year iSchool students and recent graduates to answer reference questions on the service, on a volunteer basis beginning September 2009. See the iSchool (FIS) job board advertisement for details.

What's in it for you?

• Extensive training that will strengthen your reference skills.
• Experience in virtual reference, a skill that is highly desirable to employers.
• Opportunity to network with librarians who will work on the service with you.
• Mentorship by professionals in the field.
• A certificate from askON that testifies to your training and experience.
• An employment reference from Ask Ontario.

What do you have to do?

• Apply by May 19 and be ready for an interview in late May/early June
• Be available to attend a full day of training in Toronto during June 2009 (reasonable travel costs may be covered).
• Be prepared to participate in several web-based training sessions over the summer
• Commit to covering two, one hour shifts on the askON service during the 2009-2010 academic year. The service runs from September to mid December, and from January to mid-April. Most shifts will be scheduled on weekends and/or evenings. Scheduling is flexible.

If you are interested, send your resume and a cover letter to Judy Dunn at judy.dunn (at) utoronto.ca by May 19, 2009.

FAQs

Where can I find out more about Ask Ontario?

Check out www.askon.ca to see a list of participating libraries. More institutions are scheduled to join in Sept. 2009. Explore askon.ca/libraryinfo.html for more info. about askON.

What qualifications is askON looking for?

You need to have access to a reliable computer and high-speed Internet. You also need to be enthusiastic about reference, comfortable with online communication and be reasonably competent with technology (e.g. regularly use text/IM, download software, work with multiple windows, use portals/wikis). See the iSchool (FIS) job board advertisement for desirable skills and qualification details.

Where will I be working from?

You can work your shift(s) from anywhere, as long as you have access to a computer and the Internet.

Will I be paid for this?

This is a volunteer opportunity. However, the skills you will acquire will serve you well in your job search. Employers love applicants who are already trained in virtual reference and/or have front line reference experience.

Do I need to commit to my two shifts now?

No, the schedule will be finalized towards the end of the summer, after i-school class enrollment is complete. However, most shifts will be on the weekends and should not conflict with your classes.

Will I be alone on the service?

No, you will never be alone. Several librarians from public and academic libraries will be online with you, and you will be able to communicate with them through the staff backchat channel.

Will I be trained?

Yes! We will train you on the software you will use to answer questions, the askON service policies and how to use our staff portal. We will also teach you how to effectively answer reference questions in a virtual environment.

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