Reference and Research Services

Your academic success is our top priority. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or researcher, we offer a range of reference and research help to meet your needs.

What We Offer

Personalized Research Consultations
Our librarians are here to assist you with one-on-one research consultations. These personalized sessions are available by drop-in or can be booked with a subject specialist. They are designed to help you navigate complex research questions, identify and access relevant resources, and develop effective search strategies. Whether you’re starting a new project or refining your thesis, our experts can guide you through the process.

General Reference Assistance
If you have a quick question or need help locating specific materials, our reference desk is your first stop. You can reach out to us in person, by phone, or by email. We’re here to help with everything from citation guidance to finding books, articles, and databases.

Subject-Specific and Research-Related Expertise
We specialize in a wide range of academic disciplines and research topics, providing targeted support for your area of study and research needs. Whether you’re working on a humanities paper, conducting scientific research, or exploring interdisciplinary topics, our subject experts can connect you with the most relevant resources and tools.

Research Guides and Tutorials
We’ve created a collection of over 200 online research guides and tutorials to help you get started on your own. These resources cover a variety of topics, including subject-specific help, database searching, citation management, conducting literature reviews, open access publishing, research data management, evaluating sources, and more. Available 24/7, they’re perfect for quick references or in-depth learning at your convenience.

Citation Management & Academic Integrity
Proper citation is crucial in academic writing. We offer support with citation management tools like Zotero and can provide guidance on maintaining academic integrity in your work. Our workshops and tutorials are designed to help you navigate the complexities of scholarly communication.

How to Access Our Services

  • In Person:
    • For general assistance, visit a service desk during library hours
    • For advanced reference or research help, drop in to any library location during reference hours (see below) or book a one-on-one consultation with a subject librarian.
  • Online Chat: Get help through our live chat service or reach out to your subject librarian through Teams.
  • Email or Phone: Contact us with your questions.

We want to empower you with the resources and skills you need to excel in your academic pursuits. No matter where you are in your research journey, our team is here to provide the support and guidance you need.

Reference Assistance Hours

Killam Library

Areas of Expertise: Arts & Social Sciences, Computer Science, Management, Sciences
Reference & Research Assistance Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Archives & Special Collections Reference Desk Hours (5th floor): Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Contact Information:

Reference Librarians
Visit the Subject Liaison Directory to find your librarian's contact information, or to book a consultation.

Archives & Special Collections Librarians
Creighton Barrett - Archives
Roger Gillis - Archives
Karen Smith - Special Collections

Kellogg Library

Areas of Expertise: Areas of Expertise: Medicine, Health, Dentistry
Reference & Research Assistance Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment

Contact Information:

Reference Librarians
Jackie Phinney - Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick
Louise Gillis - Pharmacy & Health Administration
Melissa Rothfus - Nursing
Robin Parker Medicine, Post Graduate Medicine, Community Health & Epidemiology
Shelley McKibbon Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Rehabilitation programs & Health Sciences

MacRae Library

Areas of Expertise: Agriculture
Reference & Research Assistance Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Contact Information:

Reference Librarians
Erin MacPherson - Animal Science & Aquaculture, Engineering and Plant, Food & Environmental Science
Jaclyn Chambers Page  -Business & Social Science, Copyright

Sexton Library

Areas of Expertise: Architecture & Planning, Engineering
Reference & Research Assistance Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Contact Information:

Reference Librarians
Sarah Jane Dooley - Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Science, Industrial Engineering, Internetworking
Allie Fulford - Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Engineering Math, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering

Sir James Dunn Library

Areas of Expertise: Canadian Law, Foreign and International Law
Reference & Research Assistance Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 4 p.m.

Contact Information:

Reference Librarians
Mark Lewis - Law 
David Michels - Law
Hannah Steeves - Law