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Home > About the Library > Reference Services

Reference Services

R. D. Besse Information and Learning Commons, 2nd floor, Library
416-979-5055, option 3

Librarians and Library Technicians provide assistance and instruction in the following areas:

  • Using the Library's catalogue
  • Research advice
  • Locating factual information
  • Locating articles and documents
  • Using journal indexes (on-line and paper)
  • Database search strategies

In Person Reference Service

Staff are available to provide reference service at the Service Desk on the main floor of the library in the R.D. Besse Information and Learning Commons. The desk is staffed Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NOTE: Reference services are closed on Saturday and Sunday for July and August.

The Library also has a Research Advisory Office in the Ted Rogers School of Management on the 8th floor – TRSM2-168.  The office is staffed from Monday to Friday from 11 am until 2 pm.  This office provides expert research assistance in all business areas taught at the Ted Rogers School of Management, as well as general reference support for all disciplines of study and is available to both students and faculty. 

Telephone Reference

The Library provides telephone assistance at 416-979-5055, option 3. Hours of operation are the same as for In Person Reference Service (above).

Live Chat Reference Service

The Library provides a live chat reference service, Ask Us.
Summer 2012 hours, April 30 to July 31:
Mon.-Fri. 11 am - 5 pm
Closed weekends
CLOSED: Mon. May 21; Mon. July 2; Fri. Aug 3; Mon. Aug. 6

E-mail Reference Service

Library users may also submit reference questions via email 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The Library will respond within 24 hours.

Research Skills Workshops

In addition to the library services described, the Ronald D. Besse Information and Learning Commons offers a series of workshops throughout the academic year. Please see Research Skills Workshops for more information on upcoming classes.

Other Assistance

The Reference staff have prepared a number of online resources and guides that may assist you in getting started or answering some basic questions on your own. Please see our Research Help page for more information.