Ask a librarian: reference services
Chat | E-Mail | FAQ | Consultations | Newman | Branches
All services follow the guidelines outlined in the Research and Instructional Services Department's reference services philosophy statement.
Chat
Click button to start chat with the reference staff in Newman Library. Supply your name, e-mail address, and Virginia Tech affiliation. You can also indicate if you are outside the Blacksburg campus area. Chat is available all hours that Newman Library is open.
Close chat window to end the session and then indicate whether or not you want a copy of the transcript.
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.
FAQ
Search or browse the knowledge base of frequently-asked questions. See also the Library's All site... a to z list or search library website.
Research consultations with subject librarians
Consult subject guides page for most appropriate contact.
Newman
Walk-in:
Reference Desk on 1st floor Newman (Lobby)
Information Desk near Torgersen Bridge (4th floor Newman)
Special Collections on 1st floor Newman (entrance in Lobby)
Telephone:
Reference Desk (Newman, 1st floor): 540-231-9232
Information Desk (Library end of Torgersen Bridge): 540-231-5532
Special Collections (Newman, 1st floor): 540-231-6308 (8am to 5pm, weekdays)
Branch Libraries
Walk-in:
Art + Architecture Library: 107 Surge Building
Northern Virginia Center Library: Falls Church site, 1st floor
Veterinary Medicine Library: Phase III Building, 1st floor
Telephone:
Art + Architecture Library: 540-231-9271
Northern Virginia Center Library: 703-538-8340
Veterinary Medicine Library: 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.
