Frequently Asked Questions: If you want to start looking up what others have already asked
BEST for short answers, finding a solution to move on or how to continue troubleshooting.
EXAMPLES: finding quick help related to RUL practices, policies, and resources, or finding guidance and instructions on how to proceed and whom to contact, with options to do that.
Chat: There are librarians online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
BEST for instant answers, brief interactions, short troubleshooting.
EXAMPLES: asking for quick help, locating or downloading full text of a known article, reporting or verifying an error, clarifying a minor detail, help to decide what database to use, short literature search, etc.
Email: Send questions to a team of librarians and library staff via email. Most questions get a response within 24 hours!
BEST for complex questions, troubleshooting that require access to borrowing records
EXAMPLES: questions on research, collections, and library sessions; troubleshooting requests such as on reserves and library accounts
Direct help from a librarian: schedule a meeting with a subject specialist
BEST for complex questions, troubleshooting that require more time
EXAMPLES: discussing library instruction for your course, finding resources for your class
Research Guides: Our subject research guides will help you find a wealth of information on your topic
BEST for general overview, orientation, finding basic resources
EXAMPLES: identify databases for a topic, find resources for a paper, check citation styles
Find Library Materials The stuff everyone wants to know how to do!
BEST for finding, accessing, and requesting materials
EXAMPLES: articles, books, data & stats, course materials, and video