Ask Why KY?

How To Use this Service

Ask Why KY is staffed by real people, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please allow enough time to get the best answer. We may ask you questions so we can provide the best information.

You will get an automated message when first connecting to the service.

There may be a time lag before the librarian comes on as well, depending on your connection speed and how busy the service is at the time you use it.

Only browse within the Ask Why KY frame while using the service. You will accidentally disconnect from the service if you:

Use your browser toolbar to navigate
Change the address (URL) at the top of the page
Bookmark a website while chatting
Print a website while chatting
Open a new browser window

Saving websites: Don't worry about getting back to a website the librarian showed you. If you provide an email address before leaving the session, you will receive a copy of the transcript in your email. This includes the web address for every website the librarian showed you. Instructions on how to use a transcript are available.

Too slow?: If a librarian doesn't come online soon enough, please disconnect and send your question using the email service.; If you're already in a chat session with a librarian but the system is too slow you can give the librarian all your question details, deadline and email address and then disconnect. A librarian will find the answer and send it to you through email.

New browser windows: If you must open a second browser window during the session use the Start menu or taskbar shortcuts. Do not use Ctrl-N or select "New" from the File menu, as this will disconnect your session.

Updated: 1 June 2007

Ask Why Ky is made possible with funds provided by the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives under the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, as well as funding and staffing from local libraries in Kentucky.

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