Contacting a Genealogy Reference Librarian
You can benefit from the services of the Newberry's Reference Librarians who specialize in genealogy in the following ways.
- In Person. The second floor reference desk specializes in genealogy. When visiting the Library, the librarian at this desk will be able to help you by suggesting sources, assisting you to find and use the sources, and directing you to records at other repositories.
- By Phone. You can call the genealogy reference desk at 312-255-3512. Phone questions should be brief. The librarian can consult only catalogs and open shelf reference collections. Questions about procedures, hours, and services can also be answered by phone.
- In Writing. Questions that involve looking at a particular source not on the open shelf or consulting multiple sources should be made in writing. Written requests are also best for questions for which you need to supply a significant amount of background information. You can write to the genealogy librarians in the following ways.
- Standard Mail:
Local and Family History Section
The Newberry Library
60 West Walton
Chicago, IL 60610-3305
- Fax: (312) 255-3658
ATTN: Local and Family History Section.
- E-mail: genealogy@newberry.org (We will be better able to serve you if you include in your message the town from where you are writing).
Reference letters are answered in the order in which they are received. All inquiries received by mail or faxed will be answered by standard mail. E-mailed questions will be answered by e-mail if no copies are necessary for the reply. If copies are necessary in answering the question, they will be sent by standard mail. Be sure to include a standard mailing address along with your e-mail address.