The Ask a Librarian service searches for reference material for customers. Our answers contain references to literature and Internet-pages or a guidance to other sources, where it the information needed could be obtained.

Ask a Librarian gives service in three languages: Finnish, Swedish and English.

The questions can be answered by any of the participating libraries. You have to choose your municipality in Finland or “Outside of Finland”.

Use of the service is free of charge. The service is meant for non-commercial use.

Include only one question per form. Please, be as concise and specific as possible.

The required fields are marked on the form. Remember to double-check your e-mail address!

Your question will be answered within three working days. The reply will be sent to the e-mail address given to us. We cannot reply to your question if you haven’t given us a workable e-mail address.

The questions are answered by using library collections, databases and the Internet.

If you have a very broad question or you are researching a complex subject you are advised to visit your nearest library in person to consult with the librarians. Ask A Librarian does not make requests or reservations for library material.

For locating books or other library items you can use the library catalogues on the Web.

The reply is a summary of the best sources identified by library professionals. Because of the vast amount of resources available, the answer is not always exhaustive. The user is responsible for any results from the use of this service.

As a rule, the questions and answers are saved in a public archive. No personal information on the user is archived. We invite you to send us feedback about the answers. The editors considerate the proposals. All feedback can not be answered.

The questions are handled confidentially. Your name and contact information will be used only for replying purposes.

The Libraries.fi editors are responsible for developing and maintaining the service and the participating libraries are responsible for the replies and their content.