Reference Services

Reference librarians and other department staff are available whenever the Libraries are open to assist with the information needs of library users. They will help identify sources of information, give advice regarding research strategies, and provide directional or other guidance to the libraries or other information resources.

The main service desk for reference assistance is in the Learning Commons on the 2nd floor of Alden Library.

Other reference service areas include:

• Archives and Special Collections
• Center for International Collections
• Fine Arts Library
• Government Documents Department
• Health Sciences Library
• Music/Dance Library

Besides providing in-person assistance, reference librarians also will answer questions...

• by Instant Messaging
• by online chat
• by phone
• by e-mail

Besides one-on-one reference service, librarians in all departments also teach many classes and workshops on information seeking and effective use of the library. For more information, see our Instructional Services pages.