Sample Reference Questions

Question 1:

Name: J. Student
Email: jstudent@umkc.edu
Affiliation: UMKC Undergraduate
Department: Biological Sciences

How big can a piranha fish grow?

Answer 1:

To:jstudent@umkc.edu
From: mnlref@smtpgate.umkc.edu
Subject: Response to your reference question.

On May 9, 1997, you asked: How big can a piranha fish grow?

Potentially one of the most dangerous species of carnivorous fish, piranha, or Serrasalmus nattereri, attain a maximum length of about 60 cm (2 feet), but most species are smaller.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica. Volume 9, page 466.
This book is available in the reference room of Miller Nichols Library at the following call number: Ref. AE5.E363 1995 v.9.

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact the reference desk at 235-1534.

Reference Services Department
Miller Nichols Library
University of Missouri -- Kansas City

This answer has been sent in response to a query received by Miller Nichols Library through the Library Reference Form on the World Wide Web.

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Question 2:

Name: A. Student
Email: astudent@umkc.edu
Affiliation: UMKC Undergraduate
Department: English Language and Literature

What's the name of the person who some people think wrote Shakespeare's plays?

Answer 2:

To: astudent@umkc.edu
From: mnlref@smtpgate.umkc.edu
Subject: Response to your reference question.

On May 9, 1997, you asked: What's the name of the person who some people think wrote Shakespeare's plays?

The debate about who actually wrote Shakespeare's plays may never be settled to the satisfaction of everyone involved. Many people believe that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (1550-1604) is the true author behind the works of Shakespeare.

Source: There are two Websites devoted to the question of the authorship of Shakespeare's works. For the pro-Shakespeare argument see: http://www.bcpl.lib.md.us/~tross/ws/will.html#1. For the Oxfordian point of view see: http://www.shakespeare-oxford.com/

There are also several books on the subject of Shakespeare's authorship, such as: McManaway, James Gilmer, The authorship of Shakespeare. Washington: Folger Shakespeare Library, 1962. Miller Nichols Library Call #: PR2937 .M3 c.2

Other books on this subject can be found by searching the MERLIN Library Catalog for the Subject: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Authorship.

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact the reference desk at 235-1534.

Reference Services Department
Miller Nichols Library
University of Missouri -- Kansas City

This answer has been sent in response to a query received by Miller Nichols Library through the Library Reference Form on the World Wide Web.