AGSL Services - Reference

The AGSL staff provides basic reference services, such as looking up places in gazetters or locating places on maps, but we are not able to undertake extensive research. It is preferred that users visit the AGSL in person, but if that is not possible, we do provide some reference services by mail, e-mail, and telephone. E-mail the AGSL at agsl@uwm.edu or call at 414-229-6282 for reference questions.

Users should provide as much information as they can about the places they want located (variant spellings, alternate names, name of administrative unit or province in which the place is located, time period in question, etc.). Relative locational information can also be helpful (what larger towns or cities are near by?, is the place on a river or lake, on the coast?, etc.). If possible, photocopies of actual documents containing the place name, such as birth or marriage certificates or naturalization papers, should be provided.

If a place can be found using gazetters or other reference sources, we will give the basic information needed to locate it on a modern map (latitude and longitude, country in which it is presently located). In many cases, photocopies of places of maps on which the place is shown can also be made. Large maps will be copied in sections. Not all maps can be photocopied however, due to their age, condition, or copyright restrictions.

There is no charge for basic reference service. Users visiting the Library in person may purchase a copy card and do their own photocopying at $0.15 per page. The staff will provide photocopies in response to request recieved via e-mail or telephone. There is a minimum fee of $10.00 for this service, which covers making up to 20 pages of copies and includes postage and handling. If more than 20 pages are required, there is an additional fee of $0.25 per page.