Reference Questions

If you are in a Library building, we highly recommend working with Library staff before using these online services.

Please use these links for information about Library services, to ask about renewals, reserves and patron accounts, or to recommend the purchase of a specific title.

Email Response: From the form below you can submit a reference question via email.

Reference Sources: The Research Databases page provides access to many subscription reference sources online, including magazine and newspaper archives, business, health and literature databases, and more.

Telephone: You may call the Central Library Monday and Wednesday, noon to 8 pm; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; and Sunday 1 to 5 pm at 619-236-5800.

Online Assistance: For live assistance outside of Library hours, use the Library's AskNow 24/7 Reference Service.

Library staff is able to provide short, factual answers. In some cases, staff will be able to provide the text of articles, citations or pointers to other resources -- up to three per inquiry. In-depth research should be conducted at the Library.

Name:
Email address:
Zip Code:
Phone:
Information level:
Branch convenient to you:

Ask: (Please be as specific as possible.)

Sources you have already checked:

Please send one question per inquiry only. Responses are generally sent via email.

We will make every effort to respond within two business days of receiving your question.

Inquiries are submitted through the City's secure server. All personal information is kept confidential.