Reference Assistance

If you have a question about using the library, need help finding materials in our collection, or require research assistance, ask a librarian. There are a variety of convenient ways to take advantage of our reference services:

• E-mail Us
• In Person
• Call Us
• Write to Us
• Take Our Free Classes
• Consult Our Research Guides
• Schedule an In-Depth Research Consultation
• Use the NYPL Express Research and Document Delivery Service (Fee-based)

In Person

The most effective way to get reference assistance is to visit the appropriate division or collection. Browse a list of Collections and Reading Rooms or use our subject directory to find which division covers the area you are researching.

Call Us

The New York Public Library's Main Telephone Reference: 917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975). This phone service is available Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm EST.

Write to Us

Address letters to: Reference Letters, The New York Public Library, Humanities and Social Sciences Library, General Research Division, Room 315, 476 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018-2788.

Schedule an In-depth Research Consultation

Would you like to use your research time more efficiently? Our librarians and specialists can point you to the most useful reference works, electronic databases, and other sources for your particular project. To schedule a Personal Research Consultation, speak with a librarian in the Bill Blass Public Catalog Room or e-mail grdref@nypl.org.