Questions from the Reference Desk.

Recently I had a conversation with one of our teen volunteers about what I liked most about being a Librarian. To me, being a Librarian is like being on a never-ending treasure hunt. Its a great job for someone who is naturally curious.  Every time someone asks me a question, I suddenly want to know the answer too.

There are some questions we get over and over. "Do you have any 1040 EZ forms?" we hear a lot at this time of year.   However, most of the questions we get at the Reference Desk are one of a kind.  Some of the questions I've had recently have been:

Where would I need to be to see the Aurora Borealis tonight?  The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks has maps here that will show you where the Aurora is visible on any give day.

Where can I find out more information on the Emerald Ash Borer in Iowa?  Can it be prevented systemically?   The Iowa State Extension Office at Iowa State University has lots of information about the Emerald Ash Borer  here  and it includes an section on the management of Ash trees which includes methods that might help prevent Ash Borer infestation.

How many different names does author Dean Koontz use?   Dean Koontz personal web site provides a list of his pen names in the section "facts for collectors"  here  He has used 8 pen-names:  David Axton, Brian Coffey, Deanna Dwyer, K.R. Dwyer, John Hill, Leigh Nichols, Anthony North, Richard Paige, Aaron Wolfe.