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InfoLive! is a chat reference service with real-time online assistance by Houston Public Library staff as well as librarians nationwide. You can communicate live with a librarian from home, school, or work. We can provide brief answers to factual questions or suggest sources to answer your query through chat and e-mail services. Our reference librarians use a wide range of resources including the Internet and online databases to deliver answers efficiently and effectively. We can also offer assistance with search strategies. At the conclusion of your chat session, you will receive a transcript by e-mail for your future use.
Reference Questions by Phone
Telephone Reference operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, excluding official Library holidays. Reference Desk 281-427-7331 ext 2
Reference Questions by E-mail
To help us answer your question more efficiently, please fill out the form completely.
Please describe the question or problem to be researched as specifically as possible. For example, rather than "1988 Olympics" say, "How did Katarina Witt place in the 1988 Olympics?"
If there are limitations to your question, such as dates or context, please let us know. For example, "I have Consumer Price Index figures for Houston through [date]; is there any more recent data?"
If you want your answer limited to resources that you can find on the Internet, please let us know. For example, "Where on the Web can I find the Fortune 500?"
If your question involves extensive research, then please visit your local library to obtain resources and assistance.