Ask A Librarian

Our main public desks are located downstairs on our lower level. Any library staff member can help or refer you, but these are a few examples of where to go with specific questions.

Access Services Desk (large desk area directly in front of the downstairs entrance)

Stop by the access services desk for help with...

• library account and circulation questions (checked out items, fines, room reservations, etc.)
• study rooms (unlocking a room, connecting to the technology, etc.)
• pick up course reserves, items placed on hold, and books you requested via Circuit, Interlibrary Loan, or Special Collections
• other borrowing (markers to use with our whiteboards, library laptops, chargers, etc.)

Reference Desk (smaller desk located toward the middle of the lower level)

Stop by the reference desk for help...

• researching a topic for a class assignment
• finding a specific book or article, etc.
• using the library catalog and databases

Our reference librarians also monitor questions that come through via online chat and email. Submit a request for items in Archives or Special Collections here or at the access services desk.

Reference appointments

For in-depth reference assistance on a topic or tricky subject-specific questions, email or schedule an appointment with one of our subject specialists. These are librarians who specialize in specific research areas. Most reference librarian offices are on the 2nd floor; and a few librarians (nursing, education, and engineering) are "embedded," which means they're primarily located in the department building rather than the library.