Reference Help: Getting Started

There are many ways to get help, here are just a few:

• Use the Ask a Librarian service to chat with a librarian. Click on the chat box on this page to connect with a real human, not a bot.

• Find the Library Liaison for your discipline, subject, topic, or program and email them to ask for help.

• Look for the Research Guide that most closely matches your discipline, program, or topic area to learn about recommended resources and search techniques.

• View our Library Instruction videos covering OneSearch, the library catalog, how to find specific articles, and more.

• Complete all five sections of the online Library Tutorial.

• Check the selection of Library Handouts to see if any of the topics fit your needs.

• Look for HELP options in databases and/or electronic resources to find recommended tips and search techniques.

• Use subject headings, keyword lists, a database thesaurus, an index, a table of contents from a book, or section headings from articles to improve or expand your search terms.
• Review the bibliographies of the books and articles you like to find related resources.
• Consider the resources recommended by the databases we provide (database-specific AI tools).

It is helpful to understand the staffing structure of the library.

Take a moment to review our Contact Us page, which contains the general contact information for all of the departments of the Fordham Libraries.

You can find the Library's mission, policy statements, and a suggestion form on our About Us webpage.

Our electronic resources are available 24/7; if you plan to visit one of our campus libraries, check our Current Hours.

Need help? Use the box below to open up a live chat with a librarian.

Reference Librarians are available on request to assist you with research needs.

Student workers help staff the Reference Desks at the Walsh and Quinn Libraries. Students may assist with book-finding, printing, and basic library information. 

Please ask to speak with a Reference Librarian if you need help with library research, or go to the Request a One-on-One Consultation tab of this guide to make an appointment with your subject liaison.