::Reference and Research Support

Reference and Research Support -- Reference Desk

Reference assistance is available at the Reference Desk from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Limited reference support is available at other times.

Reference and Research Support -- By Appointment

To receive individual reference support, make an appointment with Buck Sterling, Senior Reference Librarian (323-3753, Room 160). If Buck is not available, you may make an appointment with Merri Hartse, Electronic Resources Librarian (323-3739, Room 161).

Reference and Research Support -- By Phone

If you are off-campus please call the Circulation Desk (323-5792) and ask to speak with a reference librarian.

From within the library you may request assistance via the courtesy phones located on the second and third floors. The phone on the second floor is located in the Computer Lab. The phone on the third floor is located next to the public Chester terminal in front of the elevator. Calls from these phones are answered by the Circulation staff who will connect you to one of the reference librarians.

Reference and Research Support -- By E-mail

Reference questions may also be sent to the Library by e-mail. You can expect a response within 24 hours, except on Sundays and holidays.

If your reference question requires a lengthy or complex response, please either stop by or call the Reference Desk (323-3758) during normal business hours or make an appointment with a reference librarian.

Reference and Research Support -- Self Help

Printed research guides to electronic resources are available in the wall pockets mounted on the rear wall in the first floor Computer Lab. There you will find research tips for searching Chester and FirstSearch/WorldCat as well as LoisLaw, Congressional, Westlaw, and LexisNexis.

Online user guides are available as follows:

LoisLaw: http://www.loislawschool.com/index.htm?content=/info/userguide/ug.htm
Congressional: Click on the "How Do I?" link in the upper task bar.
HeinOnline: Click on the "Help" link in the upper task bar.
Westlaw: west.thomson.com/westlaw/guides
LexisNexis: www.lexisnexis.com/literature

In addition to providing access to Chester, the Library's website includes links to selected Internet legal resources containing reference and research materials, such as state and federal legislative and regulatory materials. If you find a dead link or would like to suggest a website, contact Merri Hartse (323-3749).