askON Virtual Reference Interns Additional Info

Please see previous post for the job description.

What's in it for you?

• Extensive training that will strengthen your reference skills.
• Experience in virtual reference, a skill that is highly desirable to employers.
• Opportunity to network with librarians who will work on the service with you.
• Mentorship by professionals in the field.
• A reference letter from askON / Ondemande that testifies to your training and experience.
• An employment reference from Ask Ontario.

What do you have to do?

• Be interested in reference and virtual reference in particular
• Be available to participate in virtual training (2 1hr sessions).
• Commit to covering two, one hour shifts in the askON/ONdemande service during 2010-2011. Most shifts will be scheduled on weekends and/or evenings. Scheduling is flexible.
• Sign a privacy and confidentiality agreement

FAQs

Where can I find out more about Ask Ontario?

Check out www.askon.ca to see a list of participating libraries.
Explore http://askon.ca/libraryinfo.html for more info. about askON.

What qualifications is askON looking for?

You need to have access to a reliable computer and high-speed Internet. You also need to be enthusiastic about reference, comfortable with online communication and be reasonably competent with technology (e.g. regularly use text/IM, download software, work with multiple windows, use portals/wikis). We are particularly looking for interns who can work in french to fill some staffing gaps in our ONdemande service. See the job advertisement for desirable skills and qualification details.

Where will I be working from?

You can work your shift(s) from anywhere, as long as you have access to a computer and the Internet.

Will I be paid for this?

This is a volunteer opportunity. However, the skills you will acquire will serve you well in your job search. Employers love applicants who are already trained in virtual reference and/or have front line reference experience.

When will my shifts occur?

Most intern shifts will be on the weekends and evenings and should not conflict with your classes.

Will I be alone on the service?

No, you will never be alone. Several librarians from public and academic libraries will be online with you, and you will be able to communicate with them and receive support through the staff backchat channel.

Will I be trained?

Yes! We will train you on the software you will use to answer questions, the askON service policies and how to use our staff portal. We will also teach you how to effectively answer reference questions in a virtual environment.

If you are interested, send your resume and a cover letter to Jan Dawson,
jdawson@knowledgeontario.ca by October 15, 2010.

Only intern candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank everyone for their interest in askON.