Discover Ask NYPL’s quirky librarian hotline

The video tutorial introduces the concept of a 'clouder' of cats and provides an overview of the ASK NYPL service, which answers questions over the phone. The service, which began in 1967, continues to receive around 30,000 calls annually, despite the prevalence of Google. The video highlights some interesting questions received by the library and explains why people might still prefer calling. It concludes with instructions on how to contact ASK NYPL and an example question about great white sharks.

What is a group of cats called?

• A clowder

• A pack

• A herd

• A flock

When did the ASK NYPL service begin?

• 1967

• 1987

• 1977

• 1997

Which of the following is NOT an example of a question asked to the NYPL?

• Why do 18th century English paintings have so many squirrels?

• Is there a full moon every night in Acapulco?

• Are Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates the same person?

• How many teeth does a great white shark have?

Approximately how many calls does the ASK NYPL service receive each year?

• 10,000

• 40,000

• 20,000

• 30,000

How many serrated teeth does a great white shark have?

• 300

• 250

• 350

• 200