Public Services Reference Policy
To standardize the methods used to provide reference services to patrons by Genealogy staff.
Public Services staff will answer questions via letter, telephone, email, or Ask a Librarian. Research time on any individual request is limited due to staff and time constraints.
The numerous reference requests received will be answered in a timely manner in the order received. Staff cannot undertake extensive or open-ended research nor compile family histories for patrons. Staff also cannot answer a high volume of queries from any one patron in order to ensure that all patrons are served equally. Patrons with a large number of questions may be directed to limit the number of questions submitted per week or other time period.
Patrons requiring in-depth research should be directed to the unaffiliated researchers for hire list and/or provided instructions on how to access the requested material themselves.
GEN JD 10-5-2026