Librarians are available to assist you in a variety of ways.

Please choose the service mode that works best for you. 

Desk Reference You are always welcome to 'drop-in' at the Reference Desk with general questions, or for assistance at any stage of your research process.  No appointment or prior preparation is necessary.   Reference assistance is available at the desk:   Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 10:30pm   Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm   Sunday 12:30pm - 10:30pm   back to top

OxyChatReference (IM Reference) Chat online with a Reference Librarian or Student Reference Desk Assistant. Our screen names for AIM and Yahoo are OxyChatReference, and our MSN account is reference@oxy.edu. Learn more about OxyChatReference here. back to top

Telephone Reference Call us anytime the Reference Desk is open. (See hours above.) If we are unable to answer your call, leave us a message. We will usually reply to you within one business day. Call us at 323-259-2818 back to top

Email Reference Use the link below to send us an email asking for help. Let us know as much information as you can about what your need is, what resources you have already tried, and what your deadlines for help are. We will usually reply to you within one business day. Send us an email at reference@oxy.edu back to top

Research Consultations If you have in-depth research needs, this option will pair you with a librarian for a focused one-on-one session. We'll help you to identify resources and search strategies that address your particular research needs. Our online appointment scheduling system can be accessed anytime, anywhere. You will receive an email confirming your appointment date and time. It may take a few days to schedule an appointment. For immediate assistance, please visit the reference desk. Schedule a research consultation. (Please note that while you may have used the same scheduling software with the CAE or the CDC, you will need to create a new login and password for the Library.) back to top

Research Guides The guides below include annotated lists of resources, step-by-step tutorials, and tips for more effective research.    Find Databases    How to Find Books    How to Find Periodicals    How to Find Articles    How to Find Other Resources    How to Evaluate Information    How to Cite Sources    Subject Guides (Pathfinders) back to top

Database Guides Oxy has a multitude of databases available for you to use. Click any of the links below to find out more about how to use them. Feel free to ask us for more help in using databases via any of the above methods.    EBSCO Guide    ProQuest Guide (.pdf file)    FirstSearch Guide    Searching Tips back to top

Off Campus Access Link to Off-Campus Access to Research Tools    (oxy students, faculty, and staff only) back to top