Jewish Studies Research: Research assistance

A research consultation is a 30-minute appointment to discuss a specific research question or topic with a member of our staff. We offer three options:

• Online, using Google Meet (camera optional)
• Telephone
• In-person

This is a great option for someone who is beginning a project and wants some guidance on how to navigate the Library. It’s also a good option for someone who has been doing research elsewhere and is now coming to NYPL for the first time. 

Why is it better to schedule a consultation instead of just coming right to the reference desk and talking to us? Our staff can answer questions at the reference desk, but we can’t conduct extensive consultations with you there, because it is a quiet study room and we are assisting other patrons. Likewise, the phone in our reading room is only to be used for very brief questions. 

Instead, if you’d like to have an extended conversation with a reference librarian, you can sign up for a consultation where we will discuss your research project, answer your questions, and give you suggestions on where to start. During a consultation, you’ll have our undivided attention and we'll have time to do some research in advance and figure out which sources will suit your project’s needs.

To schedule a consultation, please use this calendar. 

Research guides, like this one, are staff-written guides intended to provide advice and suggest sources for people researching a particular topic. Below is a complete listing of all the Jewish Studies-focused research guides created by NYPL staff.

For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:

Digitization of Select Research Materials

Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections. 

Screen Readers and Enlargers 

Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and MAGic software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading. 

Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org for details. It also hosts many networking groups, resource fairs, writing workshops, accessible art workshops, book clubs, and other events. All are listed in the quarterly newsletter, available by email, website (text or audio), or over the phone.

Reference Librarians

Dorot Jewish Division Reference Librarians

Email

Contact:

476 Fifth Avenue (42nd St and Fifth Ave)
First Floor , Room 111
New York, NY 10018

(212) 930-0601

Website

These collection guides were created in the past, before we began using the current Research Guide format. They contain useful information about the collection, but they are NOT currently being maintained, and have not been updated in many years. Please always use the Research Catalog to verify the availability of our collections.