Reference Online: subscription-based electronic services for English public libraries

Enquire

Enquire is a collaborative, real time, 24/7 digital reference service. It delivers an enhanced information service to the public by providing 24/7 access to library and information professionals through chat and email technology. 

Having officially launched in October 2005 alongside its other People's Network partners: Discover and Read, the service is supported through subscription and staffing by library partners. Originally an England-only service, from November 2006 the second phase of Enquire was expanded to include the whole of the UK. The software platform, QuestionPoint, is supplied by OCLC, as is service management.

Enquire is provided collaboratively by participating library services in the UK, offering an integrated approach to information delivery within a digital environment and helping to encourage digital citizenship. The service forms part of the Framework for the Future development plan for public library services led by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) to meet the Government's vision for ensuring that library services meet the needs of citizens in the 21st century.

Further information
People's Network http://www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk/
Web site for participating library authorities http://enquire-uk.oclc.org/content/view/38/73/

How to Subscribe
If you wish to subscribe, first take a look at the  Model Licence  (Word 92KB) and these amendment schedules:

Schedule (Word 115KB)

For pricing information please use the contact details below quoting MLA's Reference Online.

Chris Woodforde
Account Manager
7th Floor, Tricorn House, 51-53 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8TP
tel. 0121 456 4656; fax 0121 456 4680
e-mail chris.woodforde@oclc.org