1) What is Ask Our Librarians, etc.?

2) When is this service available?

3) What kinds of questions can I ask?

4) Is this service available in other languages?

5) Who will be answering my question?

6) Will my confidentiality be protected?

7) What kind of answer will I get?

8) What can I do if this service cannot answer my question?

9) Can I ask questions about my library card account?

10) How and when can I expect an answer?

1) What is Ask Our Librarians?

Ask Our Librarians is an email reference service that provides brief answers to factual questions, as well as suggestions for resources that might help you find what you need.

2) When is this service available?

Ask Our Librarians is available for submitting questions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, customers should not expect instant answers every time. Our librarians on the receiving side will be working only during times and days that the Lake Oswego Public Library is open. Customers seeking immediate answers should consider using our telephone reference service, which is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. The number for telephone reference is 503-675-2540.

3) What kinds of questions can I ask?

Our email reference service is designed for specific questions with brief, factual answers. In-depth research should be conducted at the Library.

4) Is this service available in other languages?

Ask Our Librarians is not available in other languages. If you would like to look for Internet resources in Chinese, French, Korean, Russian or Spanish, point your browser to www.worldllinq.org.

5) Who will be answering my question?

The Lake Oswego Library is committed to having your questions answered by professional librarians who have Master's Degrees in Library Science. As a standard library practice, the source from which an answer is obtained will be cited. This will allow the customer the opportunity to explore the subject at hand further.

6) Will my confidentiality be protected?

Yes! The Lake Oswego Library observes a strict confidentiality policy; however you should be aware that the Internet is not a totally secure means of communication. The information submitted is used for Library business only and will not be sold, distributed or used for commercial or marketing purposes. Once the reference transaction is complete, no records of this transaction will be kept.

7) What kind of answer will I get?

If you have asked a specific, factual question, you will receive a brief answer. For questions with a broader scope, you may get a possible place to check or start your research.

8) What can I do if this service cannot answer my question?

If Ask Our Librarians cannot provide a satisfactory answer to your reference question, you may call the Lake Oswego Public Library Reference Department at 503-675-2540. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday Noon to 6:00 p.m.

9) Can I ask questions about my library card account?

For questions about your library card account, please visit the Circulation Department's web page or phone 503-636-7628.

10) How and when can I expect an answer?

Our goal is to respond as soon as possible. If you have time constraints, please provide us with that information.