Reference staff are available to help use online and print resources,
offer advice on research strategies and teach the use of library and information
skills. There are a number of ways to:
> Visit the Research Assistance Desk on the 2nd Floor of Lemieux Library during our desk hours: the best strategy for immediate assistance, but can be limited in depth when patron traffic is high. (Tip: late morning and early afternoon hours on week days are often very busy times.)
> Ask for help via e-mail: the most convenient method of communication between patrons and busy library staff, and recommended when answers are not needed in a hurry. Email also allows for the routing of inquires to the "best" possible staff member when advanced expertise are needed. Replies are generally made within 24 hours but can take longer on weekends or holidays.
> Call 206.296.6230 during research assistance desk hours: a good way to receive immediate answers to brief questions, but remember that walk-in requests take priority. Be prepared to leave contact information for a return call if patron traffic is high or for questions requiring research.
> Chat
with a librarian 24/7: get research help -- any time
of day or night* -- from a librarian! SU students, faculty, and
staff can chat online with a librarian at Seattle University (or
a participating Jesuit
institution).
* The service is open 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, except for some holidays (closed on New Year's
Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Day, and shorter hours on December 24 and 31).
More info
about this service is available here.
> Schedule
a one-on-one Research
Consultation: the best method
of receiving uninterrupted and individualized help for any type
of academic research project. Whether one is unfamiliar with researching
in general, new to our library, wrestling with difficult topics,
or starting a "long-term" research project (e.g. senior
synthesis, thesis, or dissertation), sessions are tailored to
fit your research needs. This service requires that you plan
ahead and not wait until the last few days before an assignment
is due.
