AskAway Company Profile
Background
Overview
AskAway is a collaborative chat reference service that provides real-time, expert assistance to post-secondary students, faculty, and researchers across British Columbia and the Yukon. By connecting users with professional librarians, AskAway facilitates support for a wide range of academic inquiries, from basic circulation questions to complex research and citation guidance.
Mission and Vision
The mission of AskAway is to extend equitable access to quality information by offering convenient, point-of-need research support to learners across the region. Its vision is to meet learners "where they are"—online—providing research assistance that transcends the limitations of traditional library hours and physical spaces.
Primary Area of Focus
AskAway focuses on delivering virtual reference services, enabling users to connect with librarians for assistance with:
- Conducting research
- Citing sources
- Using library resources
- Finding materials
- Evaluating sources
- Navigating databases
Industry Significance
As a collaborative initiative among 28 post-secondary libraries, AskAway plays a pivotal role in enhancing access to information and supporting academic success across a diverse student and faculty population. Its integration of virtual reference services has become a core mode of service delivery for post-secondary libraries, reflecting a significant shift towards online support in the academic sector.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Equitable Access: Ensure all learners have access to quality information and research support, regardless of their location or time constraints.
- Collaborative Service Delivery: Leverage the collective expertise of participating institutions to provide comprehensive and efficient assistance.
- User-Centric Support: Offer personalized and responsive help tailored to the unique needs of each user.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Virtual Reference Services: Providing real-time, chat-based assistance to address a wide array of academic inquiries.
- Research Guidance: Assisting users in navigating complex research topics and methodologies.
- Information Literacy: Educating users on effective information retrieval, evaluation, and citation practices.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Chat Platforms: Utilizing web-based chat interfaces to facilitate seamless communication between users and librarians.
- Integrated Library Systems: Employing systems that allow librarians to access and guide users through various library resources and databases.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
- Post-Secondary Institutions: Serving students, faculty, and staff at participating colleges and universities.
- Remote Learners: Providing support to individuals who may not have easy access to physical library facilities.
- Non-Traditional Students: Assisting learners who require flexible and accessible research support options.
Financials and Funding
As a collaborative service, AskAway's funding is managed collectively by the participating institutions and the British Columbia Electronic Library Network (BC ELN). Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and individual investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is primarily utilized to maintain and enhance the virtual reference service infrastructure, support staff training, and ensure the continuous availability of the service to users.
Pipeline Development
As a service rather than a product-based company, AskAway does not have a traditional pipeline of clinical trials or product development stages. Instead, its focus is on the continuous improvement and expansion of its virtual reference services, including:
- Service Expansion: Increasing the number of participating institutions to broaden access.
- Feature Enhancement: Integrating new technologies and tools to improve user experience.
- Staff Development: Ongoing training programs to ensure high-quality assistance.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, AskAway utilizes advanced chat platforms and integrated library systems to deliver its services effectively.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Information Retrieval Techniques: Employing advanced search strategies to assist users in locating relevant academic resources.
- User Interaction Analysis: Monitoring and analyzing user interactions to continuously refine and improve service delivery.
Leadership Team
As a collaborative initiative, AskAway's leadership comprises representatives from the participating institutions and the BC ELN. Specific individual profiles are not publicly disclosed. The leadership team is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous improvement of the service.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The virtual reference service market is experiencing growth due to increasing demand for accessible and flexible academic support. Institutions are investing in online services to meet the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed student population.
Competitor Analysis
While specific competitors are not detailed, other virtual reference services and online academic support platforms operate in the same space, offering similar services to various educational institutions.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
AskAway's strength lies in its collaborative model, involving partnerships among 28 post-secondary libraries and the BC ELN. This collective approach enables resource sharing, cost efficiency, and a unified service delivery model that enhances the overall user experience.
Operational Insights
AskAway's operational strategy focuses on:
- Scalability: Ensuring the service can accommodate increasing user demand and expand to include more institutions.
- Quality Assurance: Maintaining high standards of service through regular training and performance evaluations.
- User Engagement: Actively seeking user feedback to inform service improvements and adapt to evolving needs.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Future opportunities for AskAway include:
- Service Diversification: Expanding services to include additional forms of support, such as video consultations or asynchronous assistance.
- Technological Integration: Incorporating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance service efficiency and personalization.
- Community Building: Fostering a sense of community among users and librarians to enhance engagement and satisfaction.
Contact Information
- Official Website: AskAway official site
- Social Media Profiles:
Note: Specific email addresses and physical addresses are not publicly disclosed.
