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Ask a Librarian
Need help with your research?
Librarians are available to help with your research.
Do you have a quick question?
Chat with a librarian online
Library Chat is available Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
If unavailable, please use our Ask a Librarian form.
Call and leave a message
To speak with a Librarian, please call (02) 9273 1414 and leave a detailed message, including:
- Your full name
- Your best contact number
- A brief outline of your request
We will respond to your enquiries as soon as possible, from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Would you like more in-depth assistance?
Ask a Librarian

Library Q&A:
I’m having trouble accessing an eresource at home. What can I do?
Most eresources can be used at home but some are only accessible in the Library. Look for the card icon to see if the eresources is accessible from home.
Try clearing your cookies and cache, then restart your browser.
Still not able to access? Contact Ask a Librarian with your Library card number and the eresource name and we’ll do our best to help.
Remember you need to be a New South Wales resident and have a Library card or a registered NSW public library card from a participating library to use the Library's eresources at home.
Can I use Ancestry Library Edition from home?
Ancestry Library Edition is only accessible at the Library. You can access Ancestry on a Library computer in the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room or on your own device using the Library's free wi-fi.
Can the Library do extensive or ongoing research for me?
We're not able to do extensive or ongoing research. You can employ a professional researcher from organisations such as:
Professional Historians Association NSW
Society of Australian Genealogists
The Library does not accept responsibility for any aspect of their work or for any fees incurred. See the Ask a Librarian Service Policy for ways that we can help with your research.
Is the Library able to value an object such as an old book?
We do not provide a valuation service. Visit the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program for a list of approved valuers.
The Library does not accept responsibility for any aspect of their work or for any fees incurred.