Ask Us 24/7 is a project managed by the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) in Buffalo, with support from other library councils in New York State. In this workshop, you will learn about how the service works, find out about best practices for virtual reference, and get hands-on practice at using QuestionPoint software to chat.

The workshop is designed to train new participants in AskUs 24/7, but it is also appropriate for those who just want to know more about the service, how it works, and what it can do for them.

By being part of Ask Us 24/7, you also join the global 24/7 Reference Cooperative, made up of libraries across the country and in the UK. When no New York State librarians are available to answer your patron's question, another knowledgeable librarian will take it. Whether your patrons are night owls or early birds, there is always someone online to help them. Our virtual reference desk is never closed!

Jaclyn McKewan joined WNYLRC in spring 2008 as the Special Projects Librarian. She handles the day-to-day management of Ask Us 24/7, markets the service, and trains new libraries in using the software.