Chat Widgets

What are chat widgets?

Libraries can place AskAway chat widgets anywhere on their website, at the patron's point of need (e.g. library homepage, research guides, database search results, etc.)

There are four types of LibraryH3lp widgets available to AskAway libraries:

  • Embedded chat boxes
  • Tabs
  • Buttons
  • Proactive chat widgets

Access the chat widget code

To access the code you'll need to embed your library's AskAway widget, follow the steps in the FAQ Access your library's chat snippet or reach out to the Admin Centre for support.

Customize the offline message

When AskAway closes or opens for a new term, the AskAway Admin Centre will update the offline message.

If your library would like to customize the offline message, please see the FAQ Change chat box offline message.

Chat widget placement & visibility

The Best Practices: Minimum Visibility Standards provide guidelines for where to place chat widgets and best practices to improve AskAway visibility at your library!

Embed the chat box

EBSCO databases

ProQuest databases

Implement proactive chat

If your institution is interested in implementing proactive chat, contact the Admin Centre and we will help get you set-up. You may also want to review the Proactive Chat Best Practices.

Additional places

Note: The documentation linked below is from LibraryH3lp. There may be tweaks needed for AskAway as the service uses Canadian servers. If you have any questions, contact the Admin Centre and we'll be happy to help.