About Ask a Librarian Services


The Ask A Librarian services at Columbia University Libraries are staffed primarily by Columbia University Librarians. Please note that the Ask a Librarian chat service is intended to answer basic reference questions. If a chat doesn't produce results you expected, you may email us your question or schedule a video or phone consultation with a Libraries subject specialist.


Use of Ask a Librarian services is limited to Columbia University faculty, students, staff, and alumni; and to those with questions specific to the Columbia University Libraries, the use of its collections, and its policies. If you’re not affiliated with Columbia University, please direct your query to your local public, state, or academic library.