Smithsonian Institution Libraries Public Inquiry Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Before submitting a question to us, please review this list of Frequently Asked Questions:
Access to Databases and Electronic Journals
- Other than our online public access library catalog, most databases and electronic journals accessed through the Smithsonian Institution Libraries' home page are restricted to Smithsonian Institution staff and affiliated users.
- Please inquire with your local or affiliated library to see if they can arrange access.
Art and Artists Information
- Please see the Smithsonian American Art Museum's excellent "Ask
Joan of Art" web page.
Artifact Appraisals
Borrowing Materials from the Smithsonian Institution Libraries
- If you are not Smithsonian staff or an affiliated user, please utilize the inter-library loan services of your local or affiliated library to request our materials. For more information, see: http://www.sil.si.edu/ILL/brw-ill.htm
Employment at the Smithsonian Institution
Genealogy Queries
The Smithsonian Institution Libraries do not specialize in genealogical materials.
Two helpful web resources for genealogy are:
History of the Smithsonian
Information on Old Books
Though the Smithsonian Institution does not endorse these companies, you might also utilize Internet used book services such as:
Internship Opportunities at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries
- Please see this Smithsonian Institution Libraries' Internship Opportunities web page for information and a downloadable application:
- If you need hard copy version of these documents mailed to you, please send your request and postal address to libmail@si.edu.
Library Catalog of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries
- The Smithsonian Institution Libraries' online public access catalog is a part of the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS). SIRIS is accessible from this url: http://www.siris.si.edu
Photograph Permissions
Research Grants at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Smithsonian Institution Museum Shops
Smithsonian Institution Press