Reference Service, in a nutshell, is assistance that will help you find the information you need. Professional librarians can help you find particular information, suggest sources on a topic, help with search terms, or consult with you in other ways to help you find what you need and learn more about how to find information.

You can use Reference assistance at the beginning of a project when you are trying to get started, later when you might be wondering if there are additional sources, or anytime you need to find information. You can use consultation with a Reference Librarian when you are not finding what you want, when you want to learn more about where to look, or to supplement what you have already found.

When you are at the library, ask for help at the Reference Desk. It is the first desk you see when you walk into the library.

When you are at home, give us a call at 715-394-8341 or use our toll-free number 1-877-232-1727 or email us.

Reference Librarians are at the Reference Desk from 8am to 6 pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 4pm on Fridays. Hours may vary during holiday breaks.

Reference service by appointment is available if the above times don't fit your schedule. Just ask us! Appointments can also be used for extended consultations or learning sessions.

Send an e-mail any time and we'll get back to you with help as soon as we can (the same day or the next business day).

Ella Cross, Laura Jacobs, Kristen Lindquist, Becky Norlien, and Deb Nordgren are the Reference Librarians for JDH library. All have Masters degrees in Library Science. In addition to Reference Service, each one takes part in developing the collection of materials and online resources available through the library and the learning opportunities the library offers. Deb Nordgren, Laura Jacobs, and Ella Cross, together with Peter Nordgren of Computing and Media Services, teach the courses offered by the Library Science Department.

The library has additional staff with special areas of expertise, including Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, Reserves, Cataloging, Acquisitions, and Administrative Support. In addition, student assistants work at the Public Services desk and help in many areas of the library. Any staff member or student assistant will direct you to areas of the library and provide other assistance. For most information and resource questions, other staff members and student assistants will refer you to the Reference Librarians.