Ask a Librarian
Pennsylvania’s Virtual Reference Desk
Welcome to PA’s 24/7 virtual reference service where experienced librarians help Pennsylvanians find factual answers and provide them with research guidance. These services are offered through PA Power Library and connect to libraries throughout the state.
* Please note that the below services do not connect you with a Northland Librarian or staff member, but rather librarians either throughout Allegheny County or the state depending on the service used. If you need help from a Northland staff member please call us at 412-366-8100.
Chat With a Librarian
24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Chat with a Librarian is great for:
- Asking general questions
- Getting help with databases
- Finding peer reviewed sources
- Learning about citations
- And more!
Email a Librarian
Monitored 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday
Email a Librarian is great for:
- Questions that don’t need an immediate answer
- Topics that could take a lot of time to research
- Getting book recommendations
- Library-specific questions
- And more!
Text a Librarian
Text a Librarian is great for:
- Quick questions
- Random Trivia
- On-the-go information
- Finding library locations/hours
- And more!
Text your question to: 717-527-3866