Ask A Librarian, a new service launched by UCT Libraries, will change the way students and UCT staff and students interact with UCT libraries regarding finding information, without physically going into the library.

Students and staff with any kind of query, whether administrative or academic, will be able to use the new Ask A Librarian online service. Queries could cover anything from digitising a thesis to finding a particular book. The online reference service can be accessed from anywhere. Gwenda Thomas, Executive Director: UCT Libraries, said: "We've been inclined to focus on the physical reference service presence but a virtual presence, is so critical."

The project was initiated a year ago and in December 2012, 66 librarians were trained to deal with queries of all kinds. The service particularly suits students who may not be able to visit the library themselves. Students submit their questions online, and a librarian receives and deals with their request.

There is a 24-hour turnaround time on all queries. Questions are answered by subject or service specialists from the main library and from the various branch libraries.

To visit the service, check out UCT library.