The internet has replaced the library as the first stop in the quest for knowledge, but even the internet has limitations. It has become a distant memories for many, but the public library used to be the first place a person would turn to for information.

As vast and crowded as the internet has become, it still has gaps. Many searches only bring up a blank page or just a few hits that really don't answer your questions. At that moment there is only one place to go, back to the library. Unfortunately, every library no matter how big or how small has limitations. They don't always have the books or materials you need or have hours that fit your schedule.

This is when you need to call on the library's greatest resource, the Librarian. Librarians do more that shelve books or run reading programs, they help patrons use the library and locate vital information. Most importantly they answer impossible questions.

The internet has made it possible to ask a Librarian a question without actually going to the library. Below are just a few of the "Ask a Librarian" sites available on the web. You might want to check your local library for a similar resource.

Library of Congress

Internet Public Library

I Love Libraries American Library Association

New York Public Library

Ask a Librarian (Florida's Virtual Reference Service)

Library University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ask Now (California Public Libraries)

Maine State Library

State Library of Iowa

New Hampshire State Library

Free Library of Philadelphia

Yale University Library

New York University Libraries

Michigan State University Libraries

Washington State Library

New Jersey State Library

Ohio State University Library

South Carolina State Library

Ask a Librarian (Nevada)

Toronto Public Library