What kinds of questions are appropriate?

How and where to start researching a topic.

How to find articles or books in general.

How to find a particular book or journal article.

How to search a particular database.

Which database would be most helpful given the topic.>

How to locate a publisher or other company address or phone number

Word spelling or definition

What kinds of questions are not appropriate?  This service does not:

create or check bibliographies (lists of references)

retrieve or copy books or articles

initiate Interlibrary Loan requests

dispense medical or legal advice

do translations

format bibliographies(MLA, APA, etc.)

handle genealogy questions

answer scavenger or treasure-hunt questions

provide help with PC hardware, software, or applications problems (e.g., e-mail or Internet provider questions, HTML, PowerPoint, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)

provide assistance with instructor-assigned exercise requiring a trip to the library for use of specific resources; please come to the Reference Desk for such help

renew books checked out to you (see Self Renewal option)

Other Possibilities:

If the information needed is too extensive, or requires analysis or interpretation on your part, we may recommend that you come to the Reference Desk for better assistance, if at all possible.

Some questions can be answered with information or online resources already available.  Please check the following list/links before submitting your question -  there may be an answer for you now!

Library hours or services

Check the online catalog, Voyager, for specific authors, books, or journal titles.  Use the Basic Search option.

What's on reserve for my class? (see Online Catalog - Course Reserve)  E-reserve items require username and password from your instructor.

For problems with Remote Access to the library's databases, call the Reference Desk (812-464-1907) or send e-mail describing the problem directly to LIBWEB@USI.EDU

You may see what items you already have checked out, or renew items twice using the online Self-Renewal option

Student requests for books or articles through Interlibrary Loan are handled in person at the library.  Faculty may send such requests by e-mail to LibILL@usi.edu

For assistance with MLA or APA citation format for electronic resources, check the Rice Library's page under Research Guides - - Citation Guides

Back to Ask-A Reference Librarian Form

*Authorized off-campus users are currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff.

Adjunct faculty have access after receiving their 1st paycheck issued during each academic term employed. For more information or special assistance, contact Ruth Miller, Library Director, at 464-1824 or Rose Scruggs, Acting Electronic Services Administrator at 464-1828.