The Libraries chat service allows you to use your computer or mobile device to ask a question and receive a real-time answer from a librarian during business hours.
Visit any library on campus to ask questions at the research and service desks. You don’t need an appointment—just walk up to get started!
Looking for more in-depth help? Schedule a research consultation for a date and time that fits your schedule. A librarian can coach you through the research process at any stage. We will meet with you in person, online, over the phone or by email.
Research inquiry is like an exploration -- it helps us learn, understand, and contribute to our worlds. To begin your critical inquiry, you will identify an issue, a topic, and a set of questions about which you are curious.
Inquiry begins with your questions and curiosity. Because the experience often includes unexpected twists and turns-- try to remain open and persistent. But where do you begin? How will you search? Develop a strategy and plan.
Inquiry is an integrated mixture of searching, reading, writing and starting again! It is iterative and recursive. Often, as researchers, we begin by finding the conversations on our topic (searching), listening in on the conversation (reading and note taking), and finally we add our own voice to the mix (writing or composing).