The Hawaii State Library email reference service
is designed to provide brief answers to simple
factual questions. While we cannot do
in-depth research for you, we can provide you
with a brief answer or suggest resources that
might help you in your search
for information.
You do not need a library card to use Ask a
Librarian. However, registered Hawaii library
users (HSPLS
library cardholders)
may be given priority during times of
high-volume e-Reference traffic.
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 Sunday, 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
after we are open for business.
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
The library uses a spam blocker, which may
under specific conditions prevent us from
receiving your mail.
-
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?
-
Factual questions that can be answered
quickly, such as looking up dates, names,
spellings, definitions, brief biographical
or historic information.
Ø
Example: “When did
Hawaii become the 50th state?”
“What does the word ‘oracle’
mean?”
-
Locating addresses/phone numbers for
businesses, associations, or government
offices.
Ø
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
-
Questions that are vague or too broad.
Ø
Example: “I need
some information on the U.S. Constitution.”
-
Questions requiring interpretation or
analysis.
Ø
Example: “What
are the main reasons for the attack on Pearl
Harbor?”
-
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.
Other helpful links:
