Welcome to AskAway! As a new service provider, there are two types of training available to you:
- live training, or
- self-guided training.
Live Training
If you're able to join us for a live training session, we recommend this option, as you'll meet other service providers and have a chance to ask questions. Live training sessions are offered to new service providers in January, May, and September. Registration is required, and you'll be sent pre-training materials to review in advance of the session. Register for an upcoming session.
Self-Guided Training
If you’re not able to join us for a live training session, you can complete the self-guided training below. Let us know if you have any questions.
1. Activate your Accounts
LibraryH3lp
- You will use this software to communicate with students on AskAway.
- The local coordinator at your library will create this account for you.
Campfire
- This is the tool we use to communicate with one another during shifts.
- If you don't already have a Campfire account, the Admin Centre will create one for you, and you'll receive an email invitation to join. Activate your account as soon as possible, as the invitation expires.
AskAway staff website
- With this account, you can access the Guest Logins, the Current Chat tool, send a Swamped message, and you'll be subscribed to the appropriate mailing lists.
- Your local coordinator will set-up an account for you before your first shift.
2. Complete Training
Part 1: Complete the Overview of AskAway Self-Guided Module
- --> Click Welcome (the second one) to get started and then navigate through the module by clicking "Next" in the bottom right.
- It should take approx. 1 hour to complete.
Part 2: Watch a Recording of a Live Training Session
- To view a recording of a Service Provider Training session, please contact the AskAway Admin Centre.
3. Review Additional Training Materials
- Service Guidelines
- Software Overview
- Snapshots of LibraryH3lp and Campfire
- Chat Reference Tips
- Tips for Working with Multiple Patrons
- Self Evaluation
- Transcript Evaluation
4. Practice Chatting
Practice using the software and applying policies and practices on your own or with a colleague:
- Practice Chat Widgets
- Use the practice chat tab and chat box available on this page
- Practice Instructions
- Note: When logging into LibraryH3lp to practice, select ONLY the askaway-practice queue
- When practicing, you may wish to review the Self Evaluation Checklist shared above
- Practice Questions
5. Complete the Refresher Quiz (Optional)
- There are 10 questions and it is intended to take 10 minutes to complete.
6. Your First Shift
- Arrive a few minutes early so you’re logged in and ready to go.
- See the Shift Checklist. All the links you’ll need for your shift (LibraryH3lp, Campfire, Guest Logins, etc.) are at the top of the AskAway Staff homepage.
Further Resources
The AskAway Staff Website is where you can find the support tools and resources you’ll need for your shift. Take a few minutes to explore the website, in particular the Service Providers pages available for you.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact your local coordinator or the AskAway Coordinator at the AskAway Administrative Centre.