The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20050719012105/https://www.nla.gov.au/infoserv/askus.html

Ask Us

Ask now Chat online with a reference librarian from Monday to Friday 9.00am - 7.00pm AEST. AskNow! is staffed by librarians across Australia. Depending on the time you try the service, you may be chatting to a librarian in any of the States and Territories.
FAQs Check our Frequently Asked Questions.
Ask Online Use our Online Enquiry Form
Ask by Phone Ring us on 02 6262 1266 or 02 6262 1434, TTY 1800 026 372
Ask in Person Visit our Reading Rooms and talk to our trained staff in person
Ask by Post Information Services
National Library of Australia
Canberra, ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA
Ask by Fax Our fax number is +61 2 6273 5081

Before you ask!

Before sending your question, please read the following important information.

Have you:

  • searched our online catalogue to find the material you want?
  • checked either our Guides or Indexes and Databases pages for guidance on available information sources?
  • contacted your local public, school or university, State or Territory library to see if they can help you? (Contact details may be found on the Australian Libraries Gateway)

Does your query relate to Manuscripts, Maps, Oral History, Newspapers, Asian Collections, Pictures? Follow the above links to find out more about these collections.

Top

What we can do

We can:

  • provide the answers to questions on an enormous range of topics, or
  • refer you to other possible sources of information if we cannot provide the answer.

Top

What we can't do

We can't:

  • undertake 'urgent' requests
  • conduct extensive research for clients
  • conduct extensive family history research
  • provide research or answers for school or university assignments
  • answer questions for quizzes or competitions
  • provide loans or copies of material which should be requested on interlibrary loan
  • provide advice on medical or legal matters
  • accept reservations of material through the online enquiry form or the AskNow! service. Reservations can be made through the Library catalogue

If you have a need for extensive research we maintain a list of professional researchers who may be able to help you.

Top

How long it will take

For an immediate answer try the Ask Now service or the telephone service, otherwise most queries are answered within 5 working days. More complex queries may take up to four weeks.

Top

   
About This Site | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Site Map | Site Search | Content A-Z | Contact Us