We’re here to help! There is a ton of information out there. Let an experienced librarian be your personal guide!

Librarians are available to meet one-on-one to introduce you to the library and its services, assist with research questions, and offer face-to-face personal training with technology.

How to Make an Appointment

  1. Contact Us
    • The fastest way to make start the appointment process is to call us at (309) 699-3917 during any of the library’s open hours or try our live chat feature.
    • Email us at reference@fondulaclibrary.org. Describe your question, research topic, or training need; please be as detailed as possible. (Staff members are usually able to respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday. Please allow additional time on weekends.)
    • Submit an appointment request online through the Contact the Library form. Describe your question, research topic, or training need; please be as detailed as possible. (Staff members are usually able to respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday. Please allow additional time on weekends.)
  2. We’ll review your appointment request and determine the best person on our staff to meet with you based on expertise and availability.
  3. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can to learn more about the help you’d like and to schedule your appointment.

Reserve-A-Librarian FAQs

Who is eligible to make an appointment?
This service is open to anyone wishing to reserve reference assistance.

What type of information and assistance do you provide?

  • Library orientation, including explanation of our building, services, website, and catalog
  • Training on managing your library account (reserving and renewing materials, getting email and text reminders, changing your address, etc.)
  • Computer training (setting up email, searching the internet, using computer programs)
  • Training on using our subscription online research resources
  • Locating information and research on your subject of interest
  • Orientation for the library’s collection of downloadable audiobooks and eBooks
  • Resources for small business owners
  • Locating local, state, and federal laws
  • Research on specific illnesses or health conditions
  • Consumer research on specific products
  • Finding resources for a school report
  • Investments, business, and financial information
  • Historical research using newspaper archives
  • Selecting age-appropriate books for children

Is there anything with which I can’t get help?
We cannot offer advice (e.g., medical, legal, investment) except to advise users of reputable sources of evaluative information.While we cannot assist with online banking, buying or selling online, or any activity that requires use of your credit card or personal/financial information, we do invite you to bring a trusted family member or friend with you to use the library computers to complete these tasks.

We cannot prepare resumes, conduct job searches, or complete applications. However, we can direct you to library, online, and local resources to assist you with these tasks, and we invite you to use library computers to do so.

Although librarians are unable to offer assistance with tax decisions and preparation, the library does offer basic forms and may be able to direct you to volunteer services to assist with preparation during tax season.

Also, we cannot offer troubleshooting or maintenance help with personal computers or devices.

Do you offer help with job searches, resume assistance, and career support?
We can direct you to library, online, and local resources to assist you with your search or writing your resume, but cannot perform these tasks for you.

Do you offer any instruction with computers or other technology topics?
For basic topics (e.g., email, mouse skills, Internet basics, managing files and folders) and downloading eBooks and audiobooks, please make a one-on-one appointment with a librarian by using the form above, calling (309) 699-3917, or stopping by the library to make an appointment. The library offers several online tutorials related to basic computer skills through the Online Research Resources page.

Do you provide help with genealogy research?
We have a number of resources available at the library and will be happy to let you know about them to help you get started. More advanced genealogy questions should be directed to genealogy specialists. Please let us know if you need help finding a specialist.

Who will be helping me?
We will look at your appointment request and determine the best person on our staff to meet with you based on expertise and availability.

How long will the appointment be?
Depending on the help needed, each appointment may last up to 30 to 45 minutes. Additional appointments can be requested as necessary.

How do I check in to my appointment?
Visit the Information Desk on the second floor of the library. The librarian assisting you will meet you there.

I need to cancel my appointment. What’s the best way to do this?
No problem. Please just call the library at (309) 699-3917 as soon as you can. We can help you reschedule your appointment.