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Ready for Reference

The Illinois State Library maintains a collection of more than 5 million items with strengths in the areas of government and public policy. The library is a regional depository for state and federal documents. Reference and research services are provided directly to elected officials and state agency personnel.

Any citizen may use the Illinois State Library in Springfield or borrow materials through an interlibrary loan from a local library. You can also use the Gateway to Electronic Resources at the Illinois State Library and access such things as books, materials, articles and electronic journals in the State Library collection.

You will also find a number of subject bibliographies listed in the Key Resources below.

The reference room is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The staff also handles telephone requests at (217) 782-7596 and fax requests at (217) 524-0041.
 

Ask A Librarian Reference 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. To access the Ask the Illinois State Library E-Mail Reference Service or the Ask?Away Virtual Reference Service, simply click on the title for the desired service.

Ask the Illinois State Library E-Mail Reference Service
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.

Walk-in Reference
The main Reference Desk and publicly accessible computer workstations are located on the second floor of the Illinois State Library. The reference room is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Telephone
Reference assistance is also available by telephone. Please call the Illinois State Library Information Line at 217-782-7596, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fax requests may be sent to