Ask!live : online reference desk

Service is limited to Yale faculty, students, staff, and alumni and to those with questions specific to the Yale library, its collections and policies. If you’re not affiliated with Yale, direct your chat question to your local public, state, or academic library.

The Reference Services Program of the Yale University Library makes available to all members of the Yale community and, to a lesser extent, to all readers, the research and subject expertise of Yale's public services librarians, subject specialists, and archivists. The primary purpose of the program is to guide students, faculty, staff, and researchers at point of need to resources that accelerate the process of identifying and retrieving information for research, study, or personal use.

In select locations throughout the Yale University Library, reference staff are available to help readers

• discover the rich collections in the library and related departments
• identify and use electronic and print reference tools
• formulate research strategies
• locate research material worldwide
• answer specific informational questions

The community of readers and researchers served varies by library. All libraries' reference services staff will respond to all questions pertaining specifically to Yale's collections or policies. The full range of reference services is offered to the Yale community, but service to non-affiliates may be more limited. More information can be found on the library's Access and Use page and on the pages of specific Libraries and Collections.

Reference service includes an element of teaching that empowers readers to become increasingly independent users of information resources. Whenever possible, reference staff will take the opportunity to help Yale students and faculty refine their inquiries, understand the range of available tools for answering questions, and select appropriate resources.

• All readers will be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect by library staff who are approachable and who communicate in a receptive, cordial, and encouraging manner.
• Knowledgeable and well-trained staff will provide information to readers that is accurate and comprehensive. Answers to questions will be cited from printed or electronic resources. Library staff will not offer interpretations or opinions regarding information provided. Opinions are offered only within the staff member's area of library expertise and will be identified as such when offered.
• Every effort will be made to make each reference interaction as simple, enjoyable, and positive as possible. Staff will listen attentively and will respond to each question or concern.
• Following established policies and procedures for access and service, all readers will be treated in a consistent manner.

• The library will periodically monitor the quality of reference service provided to see that it meets or exceeds established service standards.
• The library will provide opportunities for readers to offer feedback and recommendations regarding reference services and will respond to this feedback in an appropriate and timely manner.

Reference services are complemented by workshops and tutorials, which provide orientation tours, regularly scheduled workshops on specific tools and topics, online tutorials, and course-related sessions.