Questions to Ask a Librarian
Essential questions to maximize library resources, get research help, and access educational services.
1What resources are available for my research topic and how do I access them?
Click to see why this works
What resources are available for my research topic and how do I access them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's collection and shows how to find and access materials relevant to your research needs.
2How do I use the library's database system and what databases are most relevant to my field?
Click to see why this works
How do I use the library's database system and what databases are most relevant to my field?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to navigate the library's digital resources and reveals which databases are best for your specific research area.
3What research assistance do you provide and how can you help me with my project?
Click to see why this works
What research assistance do you provide and how can you help me with my project?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's support services and shows what help is available for your research and academic work.
4How do I access e-books, journals, and other digital resources from home?
Click to see why this works
How do I access e-books, journals, and other digital resources from home?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to use remote access and reveals what digital resources are available for off-campus use.
5What are the library's hours and how do I get help when you're not available?
Click to see why this works
What are the library's hours and how do I get help when you're not available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's schedule and shows what alternative help is available when staff are not present.
6How do I request materials from other libraries and what is the interlibrary loan process?
Click to see why this works
How do I request materials from other libraries and what is the interlibrary loan process?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to access materials from other libraries and reveals the process for borrowing items not available locally.
7What citation and research tools do you recommend for my academic work?
Click to see why this works
What citation and research tools do you recommend for my academic work?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's recommended tools and shows what resources are available for citation management and research organization.
8How do I access special collections, archives, and rare materials?
Click to see why this works
How do I access special collections, archives, and rare materials?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to use special collections and reveals what unique materials are available for your research.
9What workshops and training sessions do you offer for research skills?
Click to see why this works
What workshops and training sessions do you offer for research skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's educational programs and shows what training is available to improve your research skills.
10How do I use the library's catalog system and what search strategies work best?
Click to see why this works
How do I use the library's catalog system and what search strategies work best?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to effectively search the library's catalog and reveals the best strategies for finding relevant materials.
11What are the library's policies on borrowing, renewals, and overdue materials?
Click to see why this works
What are the library's policies on borrowing, renewals, and overdue materials?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's rules and shows what you need to know about borrowing and returning materials.
12How do I access the library's computers, printers, and other technology?
Click to see why this works
How do I access the library's computers, printers, and other technology?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to use the library's technology and reveals what equipment and services are available for your use.
13What are the library's quiet study areas and how do I reserve study rooms?
Click to see why this works
What are the library's quiet study areas and how do I reserve study rooms?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's study spaces and shows how to access quiet areas and group study rooms.
14How do I access the library's online resources and what is my login information?
Click to see why this works
How do I access the library's online resources and what is my login information?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to use the library's digital services and reveals what login credentials you need for remote access.
15What are the library's policies on food, drinks, and cell phone use?
Click to see why this works
What are the library's policies on food, drinks, and cell phone use?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's rules and shows what behaviors are allowed in different areas of the library.
16How do I get help with my research paper and what resources are available for writing?
Click to see why this works
How do I get help with my research paper and what resources are available for writing?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows what help is available for academic writing and reveals what resources are available for improving your writing skills.
17What are the library's policies on group work and collaborative projects?
Click to see why this works
What are the library's policies on group work and collaborative projects?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's rules for group work and shows what spaces and resources are available for collaborative projects.
18How do I access the library's digital collections and what special materials are available?
Click to see why this works
How do I access the library's digital collections and what special materials are available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows how to use the library's digital collections and reveals what special materials are available for your research.
19What are the library's policies on copyright and fair use for research?
Click to see why this works
What are the library's policies on copyright and fair use for research?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the library's guidance on copyright and shows what you need to know about using materials in your research.
20How do I get help with my research when I'm not sure where to start?
Click to see why this works
How do I get help with my research when I'm not sure where to start?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows what help is available for beginning researchers and reveals how to get guidance when you're unsure about your research direction.
Best Practices for Library Research
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Start Early
Begin your research early to allow time for finding materials, requesting interlibrary loans, and getting help from librarians.
Ask for Help
Don't hesitate to ask librarians for assistance. They are experts in research and can save you significant time and effort.
Use Multiple Resources
Explore different types of resources including books, journals, databases, and special collections to get comprehensive information.
Question Sequences
The Research Resource Discovery
The Library Services Navigation
Common Pitfalls
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Start your research early to avoid rushing and missing important resources that might take time to access.
Avoid Using Only Internet Sources
Use the library's academic resources including databases, journals, and books for more reliable and comprehensive information.
Don't Ignore Library Policies
Follow the library's rules about borrowing, renewals, and use of facilities to avoid penalties and maintain access to resources.