Requests are answered in the order they are received, regardless of their means of transmission, except for official requests from state and local government offices. Requests by telephone should be limited to general reference questions or a search of our finding aids. Reference staff will direct callers to submit a written request for specific information. The Reference staff receives hundreds of letters each month, and endeavors to answer them in a timely manner.
Some requests are more difficult than others and subsequently take longer to answer.
Written requests should be as explicit as possible. BY FAX Faxed requests do not take precedence over mailed requests. Requests are answered in the order they are received, regardless of the means of transmission. Requests are answered in the order they are received, regardless of the means of transmission. Click here for a reference request form.