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Ministry Funding to Support AskAway and WriteAway Service Sustainability

February 13, 2026

The British Columbia Electronic Library Network (BC ELN) will receive $155,500 in one-time funding from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to support AskAway and WriteAway as they navigate operational and structural transitions to secure long-term sustainability. 

Through targeted funding for shared student support services, post‑secondary institutions can leverage their collective power to meet students’ online learning and research needs with human‑centered support. In response to a rapidly evolving educational landscape, AskAway and WriteAway recently completed sustainability reviews that identified strategies to strengthen collaborative service models, ensure financial and operational viability, and adapt to shifting student needs in the age of artificial intelligence. Approximately half of the funding will be allocated to each service, enabling them to implement sustainability recommendations while maintaining current levels of service during the transition.  

BC ELN expresses gratitude for the Ministry’s support of this important work. “The Ministry’s investment in AskAway and WriteAway reflects a broader recognition of how collaborative services strengthen resiliency for partner libraries in B.C.,” says Sunni Nishimura, BC ELN Executive Director. “When individual institutions contribute resources to build collective capacity, they enable high‑impact learning and research support for students province‑wide while achieving cost-savings. As post-secondary institutions confront significant financial pressures, BC ELN’s model for shared services becomes even more vital.” 

About AskAway and WriteAway

AskAway offers real-time research help seven days a week, including evenings, and is staffed collaboratively by participating libraries. In 2024, the service supported students in over 30,000 live chat sessions, providing timely, expert assistance at their point of need.   

WriteAway delivers asynchronous writing support from qualified tutors. Students submit drafts and receive thoughtful, personalized feedback designed to strengthen their writing skills. In 2024, more than 6,000 student submissions were supported. 

 

Please direct any questions to Sunni Nishimura, BC ELN Executive Director, sunnin@bceln.ca.