Berntsen Library Blog

Top Five Tips For Getting Expert Research Help

By now we hope you know that the library has many options when it comes to offering you support and resources for your research. But is more always better? Sometimes having so many options can be overwhelming - analysis paralysis! So, please read on to get the specifics on all of the ways to get help from our Reference Librarians, and how to determine which option will be best for you. 

1. In-person

The classic, age-old way of the librarian. For as long as anyone can remember, librarians have sat behind desks and answered the queries of the curious passer-by, and we are no different. The reference desk sits prominently in the middle of the main floor of our building, and someone is always on a "reference shift" 9am-8pm Mon-Thurs, 9am-4pm Fridays, and 2pm-9pm Sundays. If you don't see anyone sitting at the reference desk, don't be discouraged! Always ask a student employee at the circulation desk to find them for you. They may be in their office or helping another student. This option is great for any type of question, from finding a thesis topic to fixing the paper jam in the printer. With an in-person reference question, there is no lag time between asking and answering. You and the librarian can look at the same resource or computer screen, and they can walk you through the steps of finding what you need in real time. If you need an item physically in the library, they can show you exactly where it is on the shelf. If your question can be better answered by someone else in the building, they can connect you with them immediately. However, this option is not available outside of the set reference shift hours or to students who cannot physically access campus. 

2. Online chat

If you have spent any time on the library's website, you have probably seen the convenient pop-up chat window. Chatting is a quick, easy alternative to an in-person meeting with one of our librarians. Our librarians are logged into this chat feature for the same hours they staff the reference desk each day, and during our off hours it will connect you with another librarian somewhere else in the country who has access to our resources. This option is great for all types of research questions such as finding scholarly articles, choosing a topic for a paper, citing sources, and more. There is very little lag time in communication with this option. An experienced person is always available 24/7 to answer the chats, even if it's not one of our staff. This option is available to all students regardless of physical location or access to campus. There is no screen sharing feature, so it can be difficult to ensure you and the librarian are looking at the same information. 

3. Research appointment

Appointments can be made to meet a librarian in person or on a Zoom meeting. This option is best for when you know you have a more in-depth question, and you want to ensure one of our librarians will be available to you without interruption. Zoom meetings are ideal for off-campus students, and they offer virtually the same benefits as an in-person meeting due to screen sharing capabilities. The main benefit is that you can be certain the librarian is available before you need them, and you can choose which librarian you would like to meet with. Both in-person and Zoom options have no lag time, and you can look at the same screen or resource as the librarian. Zoom appointments are available to all students, regardless of physical location or access to campus. However, sometimes it may not be possible to make an appointment for your desired time, as each librarian has different availability. For Zoom appointments, you need to have access to a computer with a webcam. You can also use a smart phone, but these meetings do not have full functionality compared to computers due to the smaller screen.

4. Email

All of our librarians are reachable by their individual emails as well as the joint library email at unwlibrary@unwsp.edu. Email of course has the longest lag time of any of our options, so it is best for questions that are not very time sensitive. Someone does always monitor the email inbox during open hours, but if you need a quick answer it is best to use the chat, come in person, or give us a call on the phone. You are certain to be connected with one of our librarians, and we will have your contact info to follow up with you. You can ask your question and then step away from your computer if needed. You can target your question to a specific librarian if you know they are an expert in your subject, or if you have worked with them before. This option is available to all students regardless of physical location or access to campus. However, lag time can be hours or days before a response is received. 

5. Phone

Yes, the library is still equipped with landline telephones! You are always welcome to call the desk during reference hours at 651-286-7708, but we are also ready to respond to text messages at 651-362-4288. Both calling and texting are good options for students who cannot get to campus, but working on the smaller screen can be difficult. For both options, you will only be connected to someone during reference hours, and there is no screen sharing capability.

To sum up, each of our research help options have their pros and cons. Take a look at the table below to understand all the benefits and downsides at a glance.

We hope that, no matter which way is best for you, you'll reach out to us! Our purpose is to equip you in your academic journey and to ensure you have the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.