Personal Librarian

Not sure what you want to read, watch or listen to? Love to browse the stacks? How about some research help for that school report, paper or article? We've got you covered!

Personal Librarian service will help you select something great for yourself or your family. We can also select items for research topics and navigate databases to get you started in the right direction. Tell us what you love or what you're researching. Librarians will choose options for youth and adults and selected items will be available for pick up.

What are you looking for today?

Something To Read-Watch-Listen

Research Help

Personal Librarian FAQs

What is the Personal Librarian Service?

Personal Librarian is a browsing and research assistance service. If you let us know what you are looking for (mysteries set during WWII, food history, Bollywood romances, etc.) we will create a personalized selection for you.

Doing an assignment, writing a paper, or just curious about a topic? Tell us what you're studying and we will select books, articles or other materials to help you learn all about it.

Just fill out the form or call us at 343-2975 during our business hours to submit your request.

What kinds of materials can I get?

  • Audio Books
    • CDs
    • Playaways
  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Music

For research requests we may also email the following:

  • Journal, magazine and newspaper articles
  • Links to websites, online videos, podcasts or apps on your selected topic

You will not get:

  • Kits
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers

How many things can I get?

That depends on what kind of library card you have!

  • Temporary – 0
    • If you signed up for a card online but haven’t been to the library to get your physical card, you are not able to check out physical materials. Please bring your temporary card number, ID and piece of mail that matches the information you provided to your closest branch during operating hours, and we’ll get you full borrowing privileges!
  • Unverified – 3
    • If you have a library card, but you did not bring us your proof of address, you are limited to three check outs and three holds at a time. Please bring an ID and piece of mail that matches the information you provided to your closest branch, and we will get you full borrowing privileges!
  • Verified – 10
    • Congratulations – you have full borrowing privileges! 

How long can I keep everything?

  • 3 weeks – Audio Books/Books/CDs/Playaways
  • 1 week – DVDs
  • Emailed articles and links are yours to keep

Where is everything coming from?

We'll prioritize materials found in your chosen pickup location for faster service. If you are using research assistance, we will also look at items in other locations including the UAA/APU Consortium Library and from Inter-library Loan to make sure you have a variety of resources for your topic.

So, you will never select materials from another location?

Some branches have specialized or expanded collections – like the Alaska Collection at Loussac. If we cannot meet your needs at your chosen branch, we will place holds on material at other locations. The library will put holds on material held at other APL locations and you will be notified. Keep in mind, materials coming from other libraries will take longer to get to your desired pickup location.

Is this for all ages?

Personalized Librarian is for everyone! Our staff can select materials for all ages and you don't have to be a student to use the research service – just tell us what you’re looking for.

What if I need to request things for multiple people on one card?

There are two forms available, one for reading, watching and listening requests and one for requesting research assistance.

Reading, watching or listening requests:
You can request multiple formats, subjects, or for multiple ages on a single library card. Please let us know how many of each item you would like. We need to know if the dragon books are for a teenager or a preschooler, or if you only want one DVD, but you want three mystery books.

Research assistance requests:
If you have multiple assignments or are interested in more than one subject, please submit a separate request for each topic.

Can you use Personal Librarian services for the whole family using multiple cards?

Yes, but each library card will get its own request. If you have the library card numbers, you can pick everything up in one visit or curbside appointment.

What if I know exactly what I want?

If you know exactly what you want, please put your items on hold through our catalog. If you need any assistance you can call 343-2975 during business hours.

How do I pick my selections up?

Once you have been notified that you have holds available, you can pick them up in person or schedule a Curbside Pickup.