Ask a Librarian

This service provides brief answers to factual questions and referrals to sources or other organizations. Reference librarians will make every effort to answer questions within 2-5 business days. Questions submitted during the weekend will be retrieved on Monday. Some questions may take longer and if so we will inform you. Please do not submit questions related to genealogy or local history; for these questions, use the local history reference form. Read the guidelines prior to completing this form.

* = Required Field

First Name:

Last Name:

*E-mail Address: Please note that if your e-mail address is not filled out correctly, we will not receive your question.

Phone Number:

Subject:


Your Question (Please be as specific as possible):

Guidelines

Please read these guidelines for submitting reference questions before using Ask A Librarian.

Types of questions we can answer:

• Brief questions that have a documented factual answer, such as a historical date or fact or the source of a quotation.
• Requests for suggestions about appropriate sources to research a topic. We are unable to do lengthy research, but we can suggest sources you might want to consult. List any resources that you have already consulted so we do not duplicate your attempts.

Types of questions we cannot answer:

• Requests which require lengthy research on a topic.
• Questions requiring legal or medical interpretation. We can recommend and provide sources of information you can consult, but the Library cannot offer guidance or opinion in regard to these questions.
• Essays and school assignments. We can point you to information sources on your topic, but you will need to do the work of interpreting the resources and answering the question your teacher has assigned you.

Mailing and faxing policies:

If you request that we send your answer via mail or fax, include your address along with your question; the following fees will apply. Mailed photocopies cost 50 cents per page plus a $5.00 service charge for all residents. Mailed microform copies and all faxed material cost 50 cents per page plus a service charge of $5.00 for New Haven residents, $10.00 for Connecticut residents or $15.00 for out-of-state residents.

Books and audio-visual requests:

For information on books and audio-visual materials, please call us at (203) 946-8130 during library hours or use our online catalog.

Revised June 17, 2003