Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian is the general contact point for assistance from UW-Madison Libraries. Ask a Librarian staff work closely with subject and technical specialists to provide timely, accurate, answers to any question you have. Below are the ways you can contact us. Choose the one that works best for you and we’ll be glad to help!

• Chat – Chats are answered in real time during the service’s regular hours of operation.
• Call/Text
  • See the full list of Library Locations for details. The main number for UW-Madison Libraries is 608-262-3193. Calls are answered by staff at Memorial and College Libraries during their regular hours of operation. Voicemails left outside those hours receive a response within 24 hours.
  • Text us at 608-729-7886. Texts are answered in real time when the Ask a Librarian chat service is online. Texts received outside chat hours of operation are answered when chat service resumes.
• Consultation – Consultations are welcome with or without an appointment. Submit a request if you prefer to schedule a specific time.
• Visit
  • Campus libraries welcome questions in person, no appointment required. Ask at any service point and our staff will provide assistance or connect you with an expert who can. For a full list of campus libraries, see the list of Library Locations.
  • Immediate walk-up assistance with assignments, research, and finding and evaluating sources is available at College Library every day until 10 p.m.
• Email – Emails generally receive a response within 24 hours.