Circulation Desk: Reference Services

Location:   The Reference Desk is located near the rear of the Circulation Desk,  directly opposite the elevator on the Main Floor level.  There is a large sign over the Reference Desk that says "Librarian Assistance."

Description of Services:  Reference Services is staffed by trained librarians, whose job is to connect the patron with the best information for their research need.   We answer both basic and advanced research requests at this service point, and may occasionally schedule an in-depth Research Consultation (in-person and virtual). However, more in-depth research Consultations are best scheduled in advance with a Reference Librarian who has training and experience in the specific discipline.  

At the Reference Desk and on Reference Chat, we concentrate on teaching our patrons sound secondary research skills.  Our expertise is focused on:    

Searching the Library catalog from the Library's Quick Search+ box or using the Advanced search option.

Directing patrons to the most appropriate resources, which may be subscription databases, Library Guides, Internet sites, or other resources for their need, and providing instruction in their use.  Patrons can expect timely and instructive answers to questions posed at Reference Services

Developing a search strategy for the most effective retrieval of information.

Citing sources according to MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual of Style format.

Providing guidance in source evaluation and annotation writing.