Ask a Librarian

Need help with your research?

Librarians are available to help with your research and searching the Library catalogue.

Do you have a quick question?

Chat with a librarian online

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Library Chat is available Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm

If unavailable, please use our Ask a Librarian form.

Speak with a Librarian

Please call (02) 9273 1414 from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

If we are unable to take your call, you can 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.

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?

Yes, you can access Ancestry Library Edition from home with your library card up until 31 December 2021. You can also 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.