Ask a Librarian is a collaborative online reference service, connecting students, faculty, and researchers from participating Ontario university libraries with real-time library and research assistance.

This service is offered by Scholars Portal, the digital service arm of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).

We can help you with:

getting started on your research

finding resources on a topic

locating a specific book or article

basic information about library services and policies

connecting you to other library services

For more in-depth and expert support, you can book a consultation.

Privacy policy

Scholars Portal is a service of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL). OCUL is a consortium of 21 academic libraries in the province of Ontario and acts under the authority of the Council of Ontario Universities.

In order to begin a chat session, Ask a Librarian users must indicate their university affiliation and level of study. This information is used to ensure that Ask a Librarian staff are providing the best possible research assistance. While staff may request your email address during a chat session in order to follow-up on a research request, you are never obligated to provide it.

OCUL, the University of Toronto, and all Ask a Librarian staff respect your privacy. User data can only be accessed by Scholars Portal staff and by designated administrators from participating libraries. Information provided while using the service is collected primarily for statistical reporting to the OCUL board of directors, funding agencies, and your local institution. Data collected through the service may also be used for research purposes, but privacy and anonymity of users will be ensured. Personal information that you provide in order to use Scholars Portal services will be protected in accordance with FIPPA, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. We will not disclose any personal data we collect from you to any party in a manner that would identify you, except to fulfill your service request or where required by law.

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