The State Library wishes to thank all the libraries that have participated in AskAway Illinois, the highly successful 24/7 virtual reference program during the last two and a half years. Your support and dedication to the project has made AskAway the strong cooperative it is today.

AskAway Illinois has been funded through an IMLS grant that ends December 31. As of January 1, 2009 AskAway Illinois will not be subsidized, and participating libraries will assume responsibility for the cost.

As of January 1, 2009, AskAway will only be accessible from participating libraries’ chat forms. The statewide form currently accessible to all patrons from the AskAway state site will not exist once statewide service ends on December 31. OCLC is expected to deliver pricing for individual ILLINET libraries no later than November 15.

We encourage libraries to participate in AskAway Illinois as the project moves into a sustainable future. If you have questions please feel free to contact Natalie Tagge or call 217-557-6329.