Buffalo State College students, faculty and staff are now able to seek professional library assistance 24/7. E.H Butler Library is currently participating in Ask a WNY Librarian online reference service. This service allows librarians from participating schools and libraries to chat with students who have reference or resource questions. Some participating schools and libraries include:

• D'Youville College
• Medaille College
• Lockport Public Library
• Niagara University
• Women's and Children's Hospital
• Millard Fillmore Hospital

The Ask a WNY Librarian online reference service is a project through the Western New York Library Resources Council.

According to Nancy Frazier, librarian and participant at E.H Butler Library, “There are several college and local libraries locally involved in it, but then colleges and public libraries all over the country. “So if somebody asks a question late at night, they are probably going to be serviced by a librarian somewhere else. But then it is referred back to me at this point.”

The first question a student might ask is: “Why would anyone want to chat with librarians?” just as junior Destiny East asked when she first heard about it.

“I think if a student is the kind of person that can't get to the library during the time when the reference librarian is here,” replied Frazier.

Although the library is open until 2 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, the reference desk closes at 10 p.m. So, for those who can't make it to the library during these hours and need help locating materials in the library, this reference service can be beneficial.

Frazier works at the virtual reference desk for three hours per week. Frazier is currently the only librarian at this library that chats. Once Frazier gets more familiar with the service, she plans on training other librarians.

According to the privacy statement at the Ask a WNY Librarian web site, all information used in this service is considered confidential and will not be shared. If one still feels uncomfortable giving their name or personal information, they can remain anonymous or request to meet with a librarian.

For any questions about this service, e-mail Nancy Frazier. The Ask a WNY Librarian online reference service can be accessed through the Buffalo State website at http://www.buffalostate.edu/
library/research/ask.html or at www.askawnylibrarian.org.