Information and Readers' Advisory Standard

Our Mission

To provide opportunities to empower our community to be connected, inclusive and informed.

Cairns Libraries’ Client Services team will

• Provide assistance to those seeking information, materials, readers’ advisory service, or guidance in the use of the library.
• Recommend search strategies and assist you in locating the most appropriate resources.
• Make available user aids, to help you identify items in the collection relevant to your interests and needs.
• Refer you to other resources outside of the library collection to find what you need (e.g. other library collections, the Internet).

Response time and scope

• We try to answer your question on the spot. If that is not possible, we will endeavour to give a response within 10 working days.
• We will work on each enquiry for up to 1 hour.
• We will provide up to 5 pages of material free of charge.

Cairns Libraries staff are unable to

• Conduct extensive research (including local history or genealogical) on your behalf - we can refer you to suitable material, online resources or organisations.
• Provide answers for assignments - we can suggest resources and assist in their use.
• Give specialist advice (e.g. medical, legal, or financial) - we can refer you to appropriate organisations.
• Conduct extensive searches of unindexed newspapers held in Cairns Libraries.

How can you help?

• Submit one question at a time.
• List any resources you have already checked to avoid duplication of effort.
• Indicate a date you require a response.
• Indicate the level of material required.
• Provide correct contact details (e.g. phone number, email address).

More Information

• Contact any of our libraries or send your enquiry online by completing the contact us form at cairns.qld.gov.au/library