This guide is meant to help students and other researchers become more familiar with the ways librarians can make research easier and more efficient. If you're not quite sure how a librarian can help you, or you don't know which librarian is the right person to contact, then you're in the right place!
The other pages in this guide will help you identify the right librarian to help with your question, explore the different options for getting in touch, and share tips for getting the most out of a research consultation.
If you've never met with a research librarian or had a research consultation before, here's a quick guide to what you can expect.
WhoResearch consultations are typically one-on-one meetings with a librarian, but may involve small groups. You are welcome to bring others who you are working on your research with, such as other members of a group project or lab group. Depending on your topic, you may also end up meeting with more than one librarian, or you may want to schedule separate meetings with multiple librarians.
Where & whenSome librarians offer online meetings, while others offer face-to-face meetings in the library. Always make sure to clarify where, when, and how you are meeting.
WhatEvery research consultation is different. In general, however, there are a few things you can expect of any consultation:
Sharing specific information about what you need (and when) before your meeting will help the librarian make useful recommendations more quickly. Refer to the Make the most of your visit page of this guide for ideas on what information is useful to share with the librarian before your meeting.
Have a question? Librarians are always available to help!
Read the guide to learn who to contact and how!
Live chat with a Librarian
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Decorative icons used on this guide are from icons8.
The library's collections and services are available to all ISU students, faculty, and staff and Parks Library is open to the public.
