Not all questions can be
adequately answered or explained via email.
If you still have questions after a
librarian has replied to your inquiry you
should make plans to visit the university
library's reference desk for additional help
or clarification.
Also, please note: Ask a
Librarian cannot always provide direct
answers to student questions since this
could violate honor code policies. Users
agree to respect the librarians' goal to
help them learn how to find answers to
questions, where appropriate, as opposed to
merely giving them answers.
The e-mail reference service is provided to help users
become self-sufficient in their research endeavors.
The Library provides advice on research with suggestions
of possible print or electronic resources, and search strategies.
Whenever possible, users will be referred to electronic
resources that may provide them with the information requested.
Typical questions you may ask through the e-mail
reference service are:
Where would I begin to look for information on a topic?
I have looked in all the usual places [indicate where
you have looked], but where else might I look?
Does the Library have a specialist who could help me
with this topic?
Please note the following restrictions:
Interpretations of information will not be given.
The Library does NOT perform information searches for
users, create or check lists (e.g., bibliographies), or answer questions
about medical or legal matters, or give medical or legal advice. We also
do not answer questions about citation forms, look up statistics, or do
class assignments.
Turn-Around Time
Your question will be forwarded to the e-mail reference
coordinator in the Library. Program-related and subject-related inquiries
will be forwarded to the appropriate individual.
The Library will try to respond within one weekday (24 hours), but
response time may vary depending upon the nature of the inquiry. Questions
received during the weekend will be treated as received on Monday.