Reference Services
Reference staff members are here to help you explore, discover, and connect. Our general mission and purpose is to assist and instruct individuals in their pursuit of information, using appropriate methods and materials, regardless of format, and to “provide the most accurate information in the most timely manner possible.” This assistance is provided in accordance with general library policies, and every effort is made to ensure that staff provide confidential, equal treatment to all persons.
The rapidly changing technological environment requires us to learn new retrieval methods while retaining a useful familiarity with traditional sources. Although we may interpret some sources of information, we are not qualified to interpret legal, medical, or taxation materials.
Reference staff manage or oversee:
- Research collections on the second floor of the library
- Periodical reading room on the first floor
- Historical periodicals and Kansas Room collections
- Microform resources and pamphlet files
- Government Documents Depository
- Adult Education & Literacy program
- Interlibrary Loan
For assistance you can reach us at the following:
email: reference@hutchpl.org
Phone: 620-663-5441 ext. 137
Reference Computers
Computers are available upstairs by the Reference desk for non-entertainment purposes. Using these computers gives you more privacy and more time for you to do research, do job searching or fill out online forms, such as online enrollment in health insurance programs.
Genealogy
Our Genealogy collection is located on the second floor of the library within the J.P. Harris Kansas Room. Patron assistance is provided by the Reference staff.
Requests for information, such as obituaries, directory assistance, and specific searches in local records, should be addressed to the Reference staff.
We accept requests by mail, telephone (620-663-5441 x. 137) or e-mail (reference@hutchpl.org).
Please include as much information as possible in each request, such as surnames, first names, middle names (if possible), and dates of birth or death.
You may also search the library catalog for abstracts of newspaper articles, births, marriages, and obituaries. The library subscribes to NewspaperArchive, Newsbank and Ancestry Library Edition. Heritage Quest is available within the library, or it may be accessed from other locations using a current Kansas Library Card.