Experts

Here’s what an expert has said about contacting an expert (after receiving a list of questions from a student and replying with a link to a website)

"I apologise for responding in this way as I do know that it is not only more fun, easier but often quicker to speak with a person than search a website."

And here’s another response from an expert that was emailed a list of low level, descriptive type of questions (note the hint of sarcasm…):

"They are very difficult questions. As “asteroid impacts” is not my area of research, I used Google. I put your questions, one by one, in Google search. There are interesting articles Google found for me. I think to get answers to your questions you should first try Google. If you still have questions, write me again and I may be able to help you."

If you make the effort, an interview with an expert can be your most valuable source of information. Check out this example of an email conversation with an expert

• Max’s email conversation with an expert on gangs.

There is a skill and a process to successfully interview experts. Check out Wiki How for a step by step approach.

Find an expert

AnyQuestions is funded by the Ministry of Education, managed by the National Library of New Zealand, and staffed by librarians from right around New Zealand. You can chat with Librarians from around the country from 1pm-6pm to help you locate resources to answer your questions.

Expertise Finder: A Search Engine to Find Experts from Universities