Who can use Global Librarian?

Global Librarian is available to anyone entitled to receive the public library services of Southampton City Libraries (United Kingdom) and Vaughan Public Libraries (Ontario, Canada).

You don’t have to be a member of Southampton or Vaughan Libraries, but you must either:

• Live, work or study full-time in the City of Southampton or the City of Vaughan
• Have current membership of either Southampton or Vaughan Libraries
• Own property in the City of Vaughan
• Have an inquiry which can only reasonably be answered by a library in Southampton or Vaughan (e.g. a question about the history of either city)

Global Librarian will be pleased to respond to inquiries from anyone who lives, works or studies in the City of Southampton or the City of Vaughan, or has valid membership of either library.

Global Librarian will not be able to assist you in the following cases:

• If you are not eligible to receive the public library services of either Southampton City Libraries or Vaughan Public Libraries
• If your inquiry does not relate to resources or information related to special or unique collections held by either library such as local history material
• If your inquiry falls outside the remit of public library services as defined by the Partners’ governing bodies.

If Global Librarian receives inquiries which are not eligible for answer, the inquirer will be informed that Global Librarian is unable to help.

Am I a member of a Global Librarian Partner’s library service?

To find out if you are entitled to membership of one of the public libraries belonging to Global Librarian, visit the relevant Web site:

Southampton City Libraries

Vaughan Public Libraries

What kind of questions can I ask Global Librarian?

Global Librarians will:

• Help you find answers to factual questions
• Guide you to good sources of information to help you form an opinion or an argument about a subject
• Identify expert organizations, individuals or agencies who can answer your question
• Refer you to quality sources of information
• Identify books, magazines, database Web sites and other sources of electronic information on subjects of interest to you

Must I provide personal information to use Global Librarian?

Global Librarian requires an accurate e-mail address to send an answer to, and your telephone number and postal code. This information is required to maintain the quality of Global Librarian services, enabling staff to measure the effectiveness of the service. You will not be contacted by mail or by phone unless you agree in advance to this option. See also Privacy.

How often can I use Global Librarian?

You can submit as many inquiries as you like to Global Librarian, but they must all fall within the Conditions of Use set out here. If your inquiries fall outside the range of Global Librarian’s activities, staff may suggest that you take one of the following courses of action:

• Visit or join your local library to obtain the help or resources you require
• Contact a specialist organization (e.g. if you are researching your family tree, you may be referred to a genealogical organization for assistance)
• Discuss a school or college assignment with your teacher or tutor

See also Hints and Tips