Each campus library offers help in finding information and doing research and this service is referred to as reference assistance. Some libraries also provide research assistance in the form of tours, instructional classes and online guides. You can contact a librarian:

1. In person or by telephone.
To get help finding information or doing research, or to schedule an appointment for consultation, visit or call the library during hours when reference assistance is provided.

Davis Library Reference Hours, 919-962-1151
R. B. House Undergraduate Library Hours, 919-962-1355
Health Sciences Library Reference Hours, 919-962-0800
Law Library Reference Hours, 919-962-1194

Call the departmental libraries to make an appointment. See Libraries, Hours & Locations for phone numbers.

2. By email.
Send a question by e-mail at any time. Please state the question as specifically as possible and include a return e-mail address in the message. Response times vary depending on staff availability and the complexity of your question.

See Libraries, Hours & Locations to find E-mail addresses for departmental libraries.

3. Using Virtual Chat.
You will be talking in real-time with a professional reference librarian through your web browser. You will be able to "chat" with the librarian, and the librarian will send you Web pages via your browser to try to answer your question. When you disconnect, you will be able to continue working with the pages that were sent to you during the session. You can chat with librarians at Davis, the Undergraduate Library, or Health Sciences Library.

You can also IM a librarian at the Undergraduate Library, using AOL Instant Messenger or AIM Express. Just add our screenname - undergradref - to your buddy list.

You can also IM a librarian at Davis, using AOL Instant Messenger or AIM Express. Just add the screenname - davisrefdesk - to your buddy list.

"Ask a Librarian" if you need help!
http://www.lib.unc.edu/ask.html