We’re here in person, via 24/7 chat, and email to help answer your questions.
Chat with a Librarian
24/7 Chat
Not a bot! You can get help from a librarian 24/7 on this page or by clicking on the yellow Ask a Librarian icon in the lower right corner of any page. When an SFSU librarian is unavailable, you will be connected to a librarian from another institution.
Email ask@sfsu.libanswers.com or fill out this contact form. We’ll respond within two business days, excluding weekends, holidays, and breaks. You may also look up individual librarians by name to contact a librarian directly.
Drop-In Help
Ask at the Book Checkout & Pickup Desk to get research help from a librarian. The desk is on the first floor of the library.
Appointments
Find a time to meet with a librarian in person at the Library or online via Zoom for in-depth help with your research. You may also look up individual librarians by name to contact a librarian directly.
Research Assistance Policy
Users can request research assistance via email, chat, or meeting with a librarian. Our purpose is to provide timely, user-centered services, resources, and information that support the education and research activities of University students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. We aim to teach and enhance information skills that are necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. We can assist throughout the research process, including identifying information needs, finding and evaluating sources, creating search strategies, and other research-related activities. We support users by teaching them the skills to conduct their own research, but we do not conduct research for them.
Library staff do not assist with proofreading or editing, nor do they interpret statistical, legal, or medical information. For writing support, please refer to Tutoring & Academic Services (TASC).
For archival research assistance, please refer to Special Collections & Archives.