Moses Mendelssohn's Eyeglasses
Researchers can search LBI’s extensive library, archival, art, and photograph collections online, and significant portions of these collections have already been digitized. Thus, you can conduct much of your research independently from home.
However, you may find that after identifying a resource online you have further questions about it. For instance, detailed inventories have been created for many archival collections and placed online, but some of these collections have not yet been digitized, which may leave open questions about whether the items are pertinent to your research.
In cases like this, LBI provides reference support in the reading room of the Center for Jewish history and by mail or email. Unfortunately, LBI cannot accept reference inquiries by phone.
To ensure the fastest and best response to your request, please make sure you do the following before submitting an inquiry through the form below:
1.) Search the collections online
Use this online search to find items from all LBI collections, including digital and non-digital content.
2.) Determine whether a digital resource is available
A large percentage of the archival and photograph collections as well as many art objects and library books are available in digital form. Digitized resources are marked “Online Access,” and you can limit your search to digital objects by selecting the filter “Full Text Online.”
3.) Consider a visit to the reading room of the Center for Jewish History
Patrons typically receive the fastest access to library books and non-digitized archival collections in the Lillian Goldman Reading room of the Center for Jewish History.
3.) Note the call number of the collection or item you are interested in
The call number is is a unique identifier that contains information about the location of the object. It is listed in search results, catalog entries, and at the top of each “Finding Aid” for archival collections (e.g., “AR 5098″).
4.) Include specific subjects and proper names with your inquiry
Make sure you let us know if you are interested in a specific person, family surname, town, business, etc…
5.) Please be patient!
The average response time for inquiries is 1-3 weeks (this includes e-mail inquiries). LBI staff cannot perform substantive research for you and may only determine what materials we hold that are pertinent to your request. LBI reserves the right to decline research requests that place undue strain on staff resources.