Ask-A-Librarian

This paper examines questions submitted to Ohio State University Main Library's Ask-A-Librarian e-mail reference service over a two and one-half year period. Data were gathered on type of patron, type of question, and librarian response. Analysis showed that 48% of questions were submitted by university affiliates. Types of questions were similar to those asked at the reference desk, with patrons not affiliated with the university being most likely to ask in-depth questions. Librarian responses included complete, partial, and negative answers to questions as well as referrals to other libraries or organizations.