In a Pickle? Can't Find Your Way Around the Library? Seek Assistance from a Librarian!
At Princeton University, each undergraduate student is assigned a personal librarian, acting as a direct liaison between the student and the library system. Ellen Ambrosone is an example of such a personal librarian, providing valuable assistance to students navigating the vast resources of the university library.
Princeton University Library takes pride in its in-house digitization service for books, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of materials. But the library's services extend beyond just digitization. Students can reach out to subject librarians or their personal librarian for research help, whether it's locating specialized materials, identifying sources for their projects, or accessing E-books from home when needed.
Steven Knowlton, a subject librarian for History and African American Studies, is one such expert who encourages students to consider related topics and refine their research questions. Librarians are open to any questions and will point students in the direction of their answers if they cannot answer them directly.
If you have research questions, you can contact the librarians at Princeton University Library for assistance primarily by email, phone, or appointment. To get help from a subject specialist:
- Email your research questions to .
- Call the reference librarian line at during most open hours of the Libraries.
- Request an individual appointment with a subject specialist through the library’s research assistance services.
For quick text-based support, you can also text to get live help on your mobile phone (available during chat service hours) [1].
Librarians can also help students think about their research topic in different ways, making Wright Library an under-utilized resource for students at Princeton University. Most librarians are located at the A-level of Firestone Library, where they stand ready to assist you.
Library guides created by librarians provide advice on how to move forward with research. Previous articles are available about library guides and the uses of subject librarians, offering additional insights into how these resources can support your academic endeavours.
Remember, the key to getting the most efficient help is to clearly communicate your research interests to the librarian. Whether it's your personal librarian or a subject specialist, they are eager to help you succeed in your studies.
[1] Chat service hours can be found on the Princeton University Library website.
A junior paper can benefit greatly from the guidance and expertise of a subject librarian, like Steven Knowlton, who specializes in History and African American Studies at Princeton University Library. To enhance personal growth and learning, students can utilize education-and-self-development resources like library guides, which offer advice on research, or schedule an appointment with a subject specialist.
