Need to consult with a reference librarian? Now you need only hike as far as your computer. Memorial Hall Library in Andover has joined with nine other Massachusetts regional reference centers and the Boston Public Library to create the MassAnswers reference service. Ask your question any time of day, any day of the year, and you will have a professional reference librarian available to help you find an answer. MassAnswers uses software developed by the 24/7 Reference collaborative in California and taps in to their network of reference librarians. The software lets you "chat" with a librarian and essentially "look over the shoulder" of your librarian to see what is on his or her computer screen. The Internet chat features combine the immediacy of a phone call with the written precision of email. The real excitement comes when the librarian begins to send you web pages that will help answer your question.

Not only can librarians show you the best ways to ferret information out of the Internet, but they can show you the power of your Massachusetts library card to open up specialized journal and reference databases purchased by the Massachusetts library community.

Look for the MassAnswers logo on the web pages of any of these libraries to access the service. Invite a reference librarian into your computer!

MassAnswers is initially funded through a federal Library Services and Technology Act grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.