User Guidelines
The Hawaii State Library email reference service is designed to provide
brief answers to simple factual questions. This service is available to
HSPLS library cardholders only. While we cannot do in-depth research for
you, we can provide you with a brief answer or suggest resources that
might help you with your search for information.
Response time:
You should receive an emailed reply to your question within 2 business
days, during our library's operating hours. Please be aware that we are
closed on Sundays, as well as on state holidays. You may email us at any
time, however, even when we are closed. You will receive a response as
soon as possible during our regular business hours.
If you need a more immediate response to your question, have a lengthy
research question, or need help with your library account, you should
contact or visit your local library, or call us at (808) 586-3621 during
library hours.
If you do not receive a response within 2 business
days, this may be due to one of the following:
a.. You may be using a spam blocker on your email account. Please
unblock (or ask your service provider to unblock) @librarieshawaii.org
and resubmit
your question from our web form.
b.. You may have provided an incomplete or mis-typed email address. Most
email addresses will follow this pattern: username@service.com. Please
resubmit your question using our web form, being certain your email
address is entered correctly.
c.. The library uses a spam blocker, which may under specific conditions
prevent us from receiving your mail.
d.. Response times may occasionally exceed 2 business days due to a
holiday, or emergency closings. If you do not receive a response to your
question within 2 business days, please call us at (808) 586-3621.
Which questions are appropriate for Reference by
E-mail?
a.. Factual questions that can be answered quickly, such as looking up
dates, names, spellings, definitions, brief biographical or historic
information.
Example: "When did Hawaii become the 50th state?" "What does the word
'oracle' mean?"
b.. Locating addresses/phone numbers for businesses, associations, or
government offices.
Example: "What is the phone number for the State ID office?" "What is
the mailing address for the National Rifle Association?"
Questions that are not appropriate for Reference
Service by E-mail
a.. Questions that are vague or too broad.
Example: "I need some information on the U.S. Constitution."
b.. Questions requiring interpretation or analysis.
Example: "What are the main reasons for the attack on Pearl Harbor?"
c.. Lengthy research or complex questions.
Please note that we subscribe to many Electronic Databases that can be
accessed from home by HSPLS library cardholders. You can search our
Library Catalog to check availability of books and other materials in
our libraries, or to place holds. You can also check the status of your
Library Account from home.
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