Book a Research Appointment

Meet one on one with a librarian, archivist, or peer research advisor.


FAQS

I need to consult with a librarian as soon as possible--what should I do?  If you'd like a research consultation, select "all staff" and see who has an appointment available first.  While the liaison librarians have areas of subject specialization, we all are able to help with most research questions.  If you can't find a time that works for you, try emailing the librarian to see if they have any additional availability.  If it's after hours, you also might try Ask-a-Librarian, a 24/7 chat service that is staffed by library professionals from around the country.

Who is the liaison librarian for my course?  Check our liaison librarian list.

When would I make an appointment with an archivist?  You should make an appointment with an archivist whenever you want to explore materials that are in the Archives and Special Collections on the second floor of the library.  Learn more about the A&SC here.

Who are the peer research advisors?  Our peer research advisors are students who have been specially trained to help their fellow students with research, particularly for the Seminars in Scholarly Inquiry and other introductory courses.  Learn more about our peer research advisors here.

Where do the appointments take place?  When you fill out the form, you'll be asked if you'd like to meet in person or via Zoom or Google Meet.  Your confirmation email will give you the library location for the meeting (typically a librarian's or archivist's office or Library 118 for peer research advisors.  For Zoom or Google Meet appointments, you'll receive an email with the link prior to the start time.

How long are the appointments?  Each appointment is scheduled for 30 minutes.  Some appointments take that entire time, while others are shorter, depending on the situation and need. Many students find it helpful to have more than one appointment at different stages of the research process.  For example, you might schedule an appointment with a liaison librarian at the very beginning when you're just exploring research possibilities, then meet with a peer research advisor in a week or two to go over database search techniques or get help with citations.

Why does the appointment request form ask for information about the course and details about the assignment or topic area?  By providing some information ahead of time, you can help the librarian, archivist, or peer research advisor prepare in advance for a more substantial meeting.  The form includes an option to upload a document, so if you have a preliminary research proposal or bibliography, we encourage you to attach it!

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Why Make an Appointment with a Librarian, Archivist, or Peer Research Advisor?

  • Librarians are information professionals who can help you at any stage of the research process, from exploring ideas, getting from topic to research question, evaluating sources for relevance and appropriateness, to using and citing sources, and lots in between!
  • Archivists and special collections librarians are professionals who work with rare or unique materials, including resources that exist in manuscript form, and can help you explore the history of campus, work with zines or artist books, and so much more!
  • Peer research advisors are current University of Puget Sound students who receive extensive training and provide research assistance to other students in a supportive, peer environment.
  • Appointments allow for genuine dialogue.  We'll ask you lots of questions to help you clarify your needs, and invite you to ask us questions, too!  You'll leave the appointment with a specific action plan and sources to explore further!

Other Ways to Get Research Help

 

Visit our Research Help guide to find additional ways to get help!

Need to contact the Archives & Special Collections?  Email archives@pugetsound.edu.

Need to contact the Makerspace? 
Email makerspace@pugetsound.edu.

Not sure who to contact?
Email libref@pugetsound.edu.

Questions about the information on this page?  Contact Peggy Burge or any of the other liaison librarians.