Reference Services

The Newberry Library offers a range of services to researchers and libraries. Please see the information below to identify the most promising option for your particular question or need.

Reference Questions  -  Local and Family History Services  -  Photoduplication Services  - Interlibrary Loan

Reference Questions

The Newberry Library welcomes reference inquiries by mail, e-mail, and telephone. Please keep telephone inquiries brief.  For lengthy or detailed questions, please contact us via mail or e-mail.  Written inquiries are answered in the order in which they are received.  Responses take an average of 3-5 weeks, depending on the number of requests pending and the nature of the request. We regret that we are unable to conduct extensive research on your behalf.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Click on image for more information 
Processional of Augustinian Use (13th century)
* Case MS 181

Reference Department Mailing Address
Newberry Library
Reference Department
60 West Walton Street
Chicago, Il 60610

General Reference Questions
Phone: (312) 255-3506 (brief questions)
E-mail: reference@newberry.org (detailed questions)
www.newberry.org/collections/researchers.html

Local and Family History Reference Questions
Phone: (312) 255-3512 (brief questions)
E-mail: genealogy@newberry.org (detailed questions)
www.newberry.org/genealogy/collections.html  

Local and Family History Services

Local and Family History Reference Questions
Phone: (312) 255-3512 (brief questions)
E-mail: genealogy@newberry.org (detailed questions)
www.newberry.org/genealogy/collections.html  

Quick Search Services
If you are not able to come to the Library or would like someone to do a search for you, the Newberry Library offers Quick Search services. The staff will search a specific genealogical source and mail the results to you. If you are uncertain about which sources we should search, feel free to contact us. Each search costs $7, and each search has its own requirements and restrictions. Please read the descriptions on the request forms carefully.

Click on image for more information 
Birth and baptismal certificate for Mathias
Hinderleiter (Klaus Stopp Collection #234).

Choose from the following searches:

Family History Library Films 
Registered readers may order Family History Library microfilms at the Newberry Library.  To place an order for a microfilm, please visit the Local and Family History Reference desk on the 2nd floor.  Microfilms cost $5.50 per reel, and remain at the Newberry for 1 month.  They can be renewed twice for 60 days each time, for a renewal fee of $5.50 per reel.  It takes approximately 2-4 weeks for reels to arrive.  Please contact us if you have questions about this service.

Photoduplication Services

A range of photoduplication services are available at the Newberry Library.  Requests may be made in person, via e-mail, fax, and mail. Telephone requests are not accepted. Services, fees, restrictions, and delivery times are described at www.newberry.org/collections/photodup.html. Depending on the size, condition, and copyright status of the item, certain photoduplication services may not be available.

Please note: There are no self-service copy machines in the Library. Staff members make all photocopies. Self-service microfilm printers ($.50/page) are available on the 2nd floor.

Interlibrary Loan

As a non-circulating library, the Newberry does not lend items via interlibrary loan. We do offer a range of photoduplication services, however, and we welcome photoduplication requests from libraries around the world.

The Newberry Library responds to e-mail (preferred), fax, and mail requests for photoduplication. Telephone requests are not accepted.

Reference Department Contact Information
Newberry Library
Reference Department
60 West Walton Street
Chicago, Il 60610
Email: reference@newberry.org
Fax: (312) 255-3615

Services, fees, restrictions, and delivery times are described at www.newberry.org/collections/photodup.html. Depending on the size, condition, and copyright status of the item, certain photoduplication services may not be available. Upon receiving a request, the Newberry will send a written estimate to the requesting library by U.S. mail. Once payment is received, Newberry staff members will make and send the copies. Depending on the nature of the request, additional paperwork may be required. Photocopies of up to 20 pages of non-genealogical materials are free to Illinois libraries.

Note
The Newberry's National Union Catalog code is ICN, and its OCLC code is IBV. The Newberry is a member of the Metropolitan Library System, CARLI, and Illinet.