Ask a Librarian
All services follow the guidelines outlined in the Research and Instructional Services Department's reference services philosophy statement.
Chat
Click the Ask a Librarian button on the right to start chat with the reference staff in Newman Library. Supply your name, email address, Virginia Tech affiliation, and the nature of your question. Depending on the area to which your question most closely pertains, your chat will be directed either to the second floor reference desk (business, humanities & social sciences) or the fourth floor reference desk (science & technology). General questions will be answered by reference staff at both desks.
Chat is available all hours that at least one reference desk is open.
Close chat window to end the session and then indicate whether or not you want a copy of the transcript.
Text a Librarian
You can ask Text (SMS) questions to a librarian by sending the message to our 5-digit short code. If you are not on an unlimited texting plan, do note that sending texts to and receiving texts from us may cost you money.
- Send the message vtlib to 77054. You'll need to send this keyword each time you ask a new question, but only once at the beginning of a session. The system will remember to route your responses to the Virginia Tech Libraries until you receive the "The chat was ended. Thank you for using AirCARE Mobile Assist." message.
- You will receive four responses from the messaging system (Now connecting..., Please wait for a VT librarian to respond, Your issue ID is..., and You are now chatting)
- You can respond to any of these messages, or send a new message to 77054, with your question.
- We will send back text responses. Questions requiring more detailed answers will result in multiple texts being sent to you.
- If you indicate in a message to us that we've answered your question, or if we don't receive a response in five minutes, we'll end that texting session. You'll get a "The chat was ended. Thank you for using AirCARE Mobile Assist." message which indicates the session is over and any new questions will need to start the process again with our vtlib keyword.
Users with smart phones or devices with internet capabilities will be able to click on the links we send. If you connect to the internet over your carrier's network (as opposed to using the Virginia Tech wireless network), you will need to use Off Campus Sign In to access restricted, subscribed resources. Very in depth questions should be directed to our Ask a Librarian chat or a live phone call.
Send a question to the library's reference staff. Priority is given to Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff, and to questions pertaining to Virginia Tech library collections. Questions are answered as quickly as possible, normally within a few hours, but if referred to a specialist additional time may be necessary. You will receive an email confirmation that your question has been received. Depending on the area to which your question most closely pertains, your email will be directed either to the second floor reference desk (business, humanities and social sciences) or the fourth floor reference desk (science and technology). General questions will be answered by reference staff at both desks.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions knowledgebase
Research consultations with subject librarians
Consult subject guides page for most appropriate contact.
Newman
Reference Desk on 2nd floor Newman - specializing in Business, Humanities & Social Sciences questions (including government documents). Telephone: 540-231-9232
Reference Desk on 4th floor Newman - specializing in Science & Technology questions (including agriculture, engineering, and medicine). Telephone: 540-231-4122
Information Desk near Torgersen Bridge (4th floor Newman). Telephone: 540-231-5532
Special Collections on 1st floor Newman (entrance in Lobby). Telephone: 540-231-6308
Branch libraries
Art + Architecture Library: 1st floor, Cowgill Hall. Telephone: 540-231-9271
Northern Virginia Center Library: Falls Church site, 1st floor. Telephone: 703-538-8340
Veterinary Medicine Library: Phase III Building, 1st floor. Telephone: 540-231-6610
Reference services philosophy
The staff of the Research and Instructional Services Department are committed to provide knowledgeable, timely, courteous, and non-judgmental reference assistance to all library patrons, regardless of the nature of the inquiry or the means of communication (in-person, telephone, online through chat or email, written correspondence). All questions will be treated confidentially and respectfully. Where appropriate, questions may be referred to other persons or units within the library. The Reference Services Philosophy follows the precepts outlined in the American Library Association's Code of Ethics.
Use the above button to start a chat/email session with a librarian. We can answer questions about accessing articles, books, and databases, plus suggest steps for your library research. Questions about checked out materials, fines, and holds should be directed to the Circulation Desk chat below.
Newman Library spring hours
Sun: open 9:00am
Mon-Thu: open 24 hours*
Fri: close 8:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 8:00pm
*During 24 hour operation, a valid Hokie Passport is required to access or remain in the library between 12 midnight and 7:30am.
Reference Desk hours
BHSS Reference Desk spring hours
Sun: 12:00 noon - 12:00 midnightMon-Thurs: 8:00am - 12:00midnight
Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm
SciTech Reference Desk spring hours
Sun: 12:00 noon - 12:00 midnightMon-Thurs: 9:00am - 12:00midnight
Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 12:00 noon - 5:00pm
Ask the Circulation Desk
