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Disability Services and Accessibility

How do I Talk to a Librarian?

Meeting with a research librarian is a great way to get a head start on your assignments, decide on a topic for a paper, or find strong sources to improve your arguments. There are many ways you can get in touch with a librarian - by email, through the “Get Help” button on the library homepage, or by just walking into the Research Help Area.

You can find the contact information for our librarians by going to the library homepage and clicking on the “Get Help” button on the top right side. This will take you to a list of academic subjects and show you which librarian specializes in that subject and how to get in contact with them. Every librarian will be able to help you with basic research strategies and topics, and can offer their expertise in your subject area. 

The Research Help Area is located on the first floor of the library, next to the row of public computers, and is open Monday-Thursday from 10am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 10am to 4pm. You can come in anytime, no appointment needed. When you come in, you will see an easel with a sign on it showing which librarian is available and ready to consult with you, as well as which office is theirs. You can go through the office suite until you find the librarian you’re looking for. 

If you want to consult with a librarian on a specific assignment, it’s good to bring the assignment instructions or essay prompt with you, so the librarian can get a better understanding of what you need. 

In your meeting with the librarian, the librarian will ask:

  • About your assignment and your topic
  • Where you are in the research process
  • About your search strategy and what information you have already found or what you hope to find
  • What troubles or barriers you are experiencing
  • For confirmation that you feel confident on how to proceed