What is Ask Us 247

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• What is Ask Us 24/7?
• Live Chat Reference patrons can chat
  one-on-one with a librarian in real time.

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• What is Ask Us 24/7?
• A free service to all residents of New York
  State, even if their library does not
  participate.
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• A cooperative service each library staffs the
  service for a few hours a week.
• This means that you arent always chatting with
  someone from your own library. But you always
  have a qualified librarian who is willing and
  able to help you, and they can tell which library
  you are from.

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• What is Ask Us 24/7?
• Dozens of public library systems and academic
  libraries around the state participate.

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• What is Ask Us 24/7?
• Runs on QuestionPoint software (owned by OCLC)
  and chat is conducted through a website.
• No need for the librarians or users to install
  any software.

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• What is Ask Us 24/7?
• Just one of several statewide/regional consortia
  running on QuestionPoint software

• All the statewide groups provide backup for each
  other.
• Along with backup librarians hired directly by
  QuestionPoint, this allows for 24/7 service.

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Can be Accessed 2 Ways
From a participating librarys website
From the Ask Us 24/7 website (http//www.askus247.
org)
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• What can Ask Us 24/7 Do For You?
• Locate trustworthy, authoritative resources on
  the web.
• Assist with using your librarys databases to
  find articles.
• Help you search your librarys catalog for
  books, music and videos.
• 24/7 access means were open even when the
  library isnt!
• Perfect for assistance with last minute research
  late at night or early in the morning.

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Actual Questions

• What were some recreational activities in the
  renaissance period?
• In what other countries is Election Day a
  National Holiday? What is their voter turnout?
• Where can I find journal articles that discuss
  the Great Influenza of 1918?
• Is there a public library near Niagara falls? A
  friend and me would have some project work - and
  would like to work together
• I am trying to find a website with sample scripts
  for radio commercials.
• I'm having trouble finding information about the
  pros and cons of illegally downloading music. How
  do i find this information?
• I am trying to find old newspaper articles or
  cartoons on the space race and Armstrong on the
  moon but don't know how to search for newspapers
• Are there national or international regulations
  zoos must follow? What is the importance of
  having a zoo license or accreditation?

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User Comments

• I received very helpful information to my
  question that I was unable to find when I tried
  to search online myself!
• Nice to have an immediate answer without having
  to leave your house.
• The librarian was able to find what I need
  almost instantly. I cannot believe how easy it
  was. Thank you!
• What a great tool! It was easy and took no time
  at all and the help was great, asking questions
  to help narrow the search.
• I didn't know what to do, fortunately the
  librarian helped me out. Now I can do my
  assignment knowing how and where to start. Thank
  you.
• This is a very helpful service especially
  because My project is due tomorrow and I need
  some last minute research to do.
• In a few minutes I learned more than many, many
  hours of other research uncovered. Thanks.

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Learn more at http//www.askus247.org