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Ask a Librarian

Home Research Library Ask a Librarian

Have a question? Need help with research or finding reliable information? Our NJ State Library’s (NJSL) Ask a Librarian page is here to assist you.

Whether you’re exploring state resources, diving into historical archives, or simply looking for guidance on your next research project, our team of expert librarians is ready to help.

NJ State Library Ask A Librarian banner with an abstract blue background of angled lines and textures, and a digital illustration of a phone with a book.

Reference Desk

NJSL offers a comprehensive suite of many resources to support your research needs.

Librarians will respond to emailed requests within two working days.

Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad)

For State Employees and Thomas Edison State University (TESU)

NJSL offers a variety of resources to assist users in accessing and requesting items from its collections.

Librarians will respond to emailed requests within two working days.

ILL Supervisor:

​By utilizing tools such as the Library Catalog, databases, NJSL Discovery, NJSL Digital Collections, and Electronic Journals, patrons can efficiently locate and request materials to support their research and informational needs.​

Law Library

Libraries are vital community hubs, offering knowledge and lifelong learning through their collections, services, and partnerships.

Our goal is to strengthen this foundation, empowering libraries to enhance New Jersey’s well-being and regional resilience.

Librarians will respond to emailed requests within two working days.

Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC)

We support New Jersey residents of all ages who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book due to a visual impairment, physical limitation, or reading disability.

TBBC provides a wide range of accessible materials to eligible New Jersey residents, as well as to institutions and libraries that serve them. Supported with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Librarians will respond to emailed requests within two working days.

Adult Services at TBBC

  • Email: tbbc@njstatelib.org
  • Phone: 800-792-8322 (hold the line to speak with a reader’s advisor)

Children and Teen Services at TBBC

Do you have a NJ State Library Card?

A NJ State Library Card is required to borrow from collections and accessing content.

NJSL State Library Card: Unlock a world of knowledge and resources!

Test Book Collection

The NJ State Research Library Test Book Collection consists of study guides for a wide range of civil service job titles.

One unique way that we help serve state employees and any patron interested in joining state government is by offering a robust Test Book collection. These test books provide guidance on taking civil service exams through testing strategies and practice test questions. We also support the educational needs of patrons by offering books on college entrance exams, high-school equivalency tests, and military and police exams.

www.njstatelib.org/testbooks

Tutorials and Webinars

NJSL offers a series of online tutorials and archived webinars on frequently asked topics. You will also find helpful information in our Research Guides.

New Jersey State Library Presents

Check our events calendar and sign up to attend our live, online presentations on topics including genealogy, NJ history, personal finance, and career development.

Other Assistance

See our Research Library: Services For pages for more information. The Research Library provides services to State government, Thomas Edison State University (TESU), libraries, and the public. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) information is available within each section for the specific audience.

NJ250 Exhibition from the NJ State Library, in partnership with New Jersey State Archives.