About Ask-WA
Have a few questions? Just can't seem to round up good information on a topic? Not
finding the quality resources you need for your assignment? Don't worry, Ask-WA
has answers.
Ask-WA is a live, interactive chat service that connects you to a librarian. Our
librarians are available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, to help you find the most
credible information available on the Web. Ask-WA is staffed by professional librarians
from participating libraries throughout Washington State. More than 60 public and
academic libraries in Washington cooperate in to bring you this service, and more
than 100 Washington librarians are available to help you find accurate, unbiased
information. Add in the back-up of an international network of participating libraries,
and you have 24/7 access to an information professional, whenever you need one.
How Does It Work?
From the Ask-WA home page, simply select the type of librarian you need. If you're
a college student in Washington, then your college library is your best resource.
If you're not a student, select the public library option, and identify the public
library that serves your area. Please note that this service is meant for Washington
State residents and students only. If you are not a resident of Washington State,
please check here to see if your state has a similar service.
Once you've selected your public or college library, you will be directed to the
appropriate chat form. Enter your name, email address, and a question, and click
“Connect.” It can take 2 to 3 minutes for a librarian to connect to your question
(or longer during very busy times). Please be patient. While you are waiting, you
may enter more details about your question, so the librarian can better serve you
when joining the chat. Check out our other tips and tricks
to help get the most out of the service.
This Is Great!
Thanks, we think so too!
Ask-WA is partially funded by participating libraries.
Additional funds come from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS) courtesy of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). LSTA
funds are distributed through the
Washington State Library , and are used to fund numerous projects supporting
libraries throughout Washington State.
For more information about this or other projects, please feel free to
contact us .