Frequently Asked Questions about Email
Reference Service
- How does email reference work? Just fill out the email reference form asking your brief and factual questions and librarians will respond within two business days.
- What if I need an answer sooner? If you need an immediate answer to your question, please us the library's link to the 24/7 online reference service Ask Now, or call the library during open hours.
- Can you help me with problems regarding my library card? Questions about library accounts can best be answered by visiting the library's circulation desk, or calling your local branch library.
- Does the library accept suggestions through email reference? No. To make a suggestion for purchase, please use the suggestion form on the library's website. For other suggestions, please use the contact us listings.
- Are there any questions you cannot answer? For medical, legal, genealogical, or for consumer information, and for other questions requiring interpretation, the email service can only suggest sources of information.
- Is there a limit to the number of questions I can ask? Depending on the volume of questions received, Berkeley Public Library librarians may limit the number of questions we can respond to from a given individual at any one time.
- Can you help me find a book or place a hold? To search the library collection, place holds, check your account, and renew items, you will want to visit the Berkeley Public Library online catalog.
- Who is answering my questions? Your email reference questions will be answered in a professional and confidential manner by Berkeley Public Library librarians.