askON Student Opportunity

askON Student Opportunity

Organization: askON, Ontario College Library Services (OCLS)

Location: Virtual

Province: Ontario

Category: Library (Academic)

Job Type: Volunteer

Duration: September 2025 – April 2026

Description and Duties:

Are you a passionate library student eager to apply your skills in a real-world setting? Volunteer with askON, a dynamic virtual reference service run by the Ontario Colleges Library Service (OCLS), and make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience!

askON provides real-time chat and text reference services for 12 of Ontario’s college libraries. We are seeking enthusiastic first or second-year MLIS/MI/LIT candidates, as well as recent graduates (within a year of graduation), to volunteer as student operators.

Under the guidance of the askON service lead and experienced library staff, you will develop and hone your virtual reference skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This volunteer opportunity runs from September 2025 to April 2026. Commit to just 1-2 one-hour shifts per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your school, work, and personal commitments. askON shifts can be completed from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance your professional growth, expand your network, and make a difference in the lives of students and faculty across Ontario. Join us and be part of a dedicated team that values continuous learning and excellence in library service.

What you’ll gain from volunteering with askON:

Collaborative Learning & Networking Opportunities: Work alongside fellow library students and experienced staff across institutions, gaining collaboration skills, mentorship, and valuable professional connections, all within a supportive environment.

1. Virtual Reference Expertise: Receive training and hands-on experience with best practices and policies unique to virtual reference services.
2. Flexible, Practical Experience: Commit 1-2 hours per week, balancing meaningful library experience with your studies and schedule.
3. Enhanced Communication & Customer Service Skills: Strengthen your ability to communicate clearly and empathetically in writing, adapt your approach to diverse users, and explain complex information in a simple, accessible way.
4. Digital Literacy Skills: Gain proficiency with online research resources and digital tools – including the LibraryH3lp platform used to deliver askON.
5. Problem-Solving Skills & Adaptability: Sharpen critical thinking as you analyze questions, manage ambiguity, and guide users to effective solutions in real time.
6. Time Management and Organizational Skills: Develop your ability to prioritize tasks, manage your time efficiently, and stay organized under pressure when handling multiple chats.

In addition to these benefits, student operators will receive a certificate of completion at the end of their volunteering and a letter of reference from OCLS testifying to their training and engagement with askON.

Preferred Qualities:

• MI/MLIS/LIT candidate or recent graduate, with an interest, coursework, and/or experience in reference service.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Self-directed, motivated, and reliable.
• Familiarity with a wide range of databases, eResources, and publicly available internet resources.
• Fast typing speed: 60 wpm+, comfort with real-time chat conversation.
• Computer and high-speed internet connection required.

Commitments:

• Participate in a 30-minute virtual interview.
• Complete a half-day virtual training session prior to the start of the Fall semester. Additional training may be scheduled throughout the Fall and Winter semesters.
• Commit to covering 1-2 one-hour shifts per week on the askON service during the Fall and Winter semesters (September 2025 - April 2026). Shifts will be scheduled in the evenings and during weekends.
• Sign a privacy & confidentiality agreement.
• Complete training on AODA standards.

Volunteer Recognition:

This is a volunteer position. Participants will receive a certificate of completion and a letter of reference from OCLS testifying to their training and engagement with askON.