ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Reference and Information Services

The Illinois State Library offers reference and information services online, in person, and by telephone or fax. Please select the method that best meets your needs from the list below.

• Ask the Illinois State Library Online Reference Form — Ask the Illinois State Library is an e-mail reference service provided by the reference staff at the Illinois State Library. Although this service is designed primarily for Illinois citizens and state government employees, inquiries are welcome from anyone who has a question related to the unique resources at the Illinois State Library.
• Telephone — Reference assistance is also available by telephone. Please call the Illinois State Library Information Line at 217−782−7596, Mon.−Fri., 8 a.m.−4:30 p.m. Fax requests may be sent to 217−524−0041.
• Text a Librarian — You may use the text message feature of your mobile device to receive information from the State Library. Start the body of the text with the keyword ASKISL, followed by a space, then your question. Send the text to 217−953−0575. Text a Librarian is intended for simple, quick reference questions (up to 160 characters) that can be answered in brief responses. For questions requiring lengthy or detailed responses, please use one of the other options listed on this page. Available Mon.−Fri., 8 a.m.−4:30 p.m.
• Walk-in Reference — The main Reference Desk and publicly accessible computer workstations are located on the second floor of the State Library. The reference room is open Mon.−Fri., 8 a.m.−4:30 p.m.