Tuesday Tips: Just Ask!

I'm a librarian. My job is to help people find things. But, I can't always do that. 

Sometimes, my resources are limited. Sometimes, I don't have the specific skill set (looking at you genealogical research). Sometimes, I know where to go and what to do... but don't have access. Whatever the reason, I know its okay to ask for help.

A single librarian can't do it all. A community of librarians (and archivists and museum curators) on the other hand.... they can do a lot. So just ask. If the librarian in front of you can't help, they will direct you to someone who can. Half of my job is referring the person in front of me to the appropriate person who can help. 

Often times, in research, asking for help is the hardest part. Even us professionals get tripped up. That's why we know it's a great idea to ask someone else who might be able to help instead.

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