Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > Public Services > Reference & Research Services

Reference & Research Services

Book-a-Librarian
You may reserve a half hour session with the Maine State Library reference staff to discuss ways to approach your research topic or to discover potential sources. Sessions are available at times convenient to both you and the library staff. A minimum of 3 business days is required to set up an appointment.
Maine State Resources
Maine resources are collected by the State library. Maps, town and county histories, town reports, state government documents and other materials designed to provide comprehensive coverage of Maine history and government are available.
Other Maine related documents can be found in our Special Collections.
MARVEL!
MARVEL! provides every resident of Maine with access to a collection of full text and abstracts from magazines, newspapers and reference books that are credible, reputable resources.
Materials Request
Assistance on finding and borrowing books through URSUS or articles from MARVEL is available from the reference staff.  Copies of books not available in URSUS and periodical articles not available through MARVEL can be requested through the Interlibrary Loan Services of the Maine State Library. 
Online Catalog
URSUS the online catalog shared by the Maine State Library, The University of Maine System Bangor Public Library and the Maine Law and Legislative Library is available for searching from any internet computer.  Assistance with using this resource is available from the reference staff.
Research Classes
Regularly scheduled and customized classes on MARVEL, Internet Searching, Genealogy Research and related topics are available on a regular basis at the Maine State Library. Customized courses are available by appointment.
Special Collections
One of the activities of the State Library is the acquisition of books and materials about Maine and by Maine authors. State and town histories, as well as family histories, are well represented in the general collection. Unique items or items of particular note may be found in our Special Collections.

HeritageQuest Resources

Civil War Resources

Other Helpful Resources