I attended three hours of Ask Away Illinois training this morning. The training was a bit slow paced, but I did get a good look at the system. We ran out of time and did not actually log on for hands-on, but I have training passwords so we can practice. It will be a week or so before we get our account approval and passwords from OCLC via the Illinois State Library.
I think it will help that we have bee doing instant messaging because the Ask Away system seems to be just an enhanced IM system. It was moving a little slowly during the demonstration, but I think that might be due to the MLS computers and server.
We have a very reduced workload with this system. At our size we are only required one one-hour weekly slot in the schedule – 1-2 p.m. Wednesday. I would like us to do more just to develop proficiency. We are always welcome to sign on to the global cue and answer questions from all over the country. The Ask Away Illinois group needs some global searching to meet its contracts, so it would help the state, too.
When we get the account information, I will have to set up our profile and set up our librarians. We will also have to get a logo/link onto the webpage.
There is no restriction as to who can ask questions at this point as the grant for the program comes from the state. There is already a larger group than was in MyWebLibrarian. It might work out pretty well. Time will tell.