Collins Library offers several ways to get research help, depending on your needs.

1. Schedule a research consultation with a Collins liaison librarian.
   You can find the liaison librarian for your course or subject area on our appointment page. 
   Best for:  In-depth, customized assistance with any stage of the research process.

2. Work with a Peer Research Advisor. 
   The peer research advisors offer appointments and drop-in hours in Library 115 during the fall and spring semesters. 
    Best for: students in the Seminars in Scholarly Inquiry and other introductory courses.

3. Consult the online research guides.
   Best for: course- or subject-specific suggestions for research resources and strategies.

4. Chat with a librarian.
   You can get help from a Collins librarian, generally from 8-5, Monday through Friday, or from an academic librarian via our 24/7 Ask a Librarian service. The 24/7 service is staffed by librarians from across the country, and a Collins librarian will follow up with you to ensure your research needs have been met.
   Best for:  Brief or general questions needing a quick response or at hours when Collins librarians are not available.

5. Email archives@pugetsound.edu for help with using the collections of Archives & Special Collections at Collins Library.

6. Not sure who to contact?  Email libref@pugetsound.edu and your query will be directed to the most appropriate library staff member for a response.  You also can stop by the library service desk on the first floor with your query, and receive help either right then, as appropriate, or receive a referral to another staff member who can best help you.  Note that the service desk team cannot provide in-depth research consultations, but they will work with you to identify the most appropriate referral.

The Peer Research Advisors in Collins Library:

• Are current University of Puget Sound students, hired through an intensive process, who provide research assistance to other students in a supportive, peer environment.
• Are experienced student researchers who are extensively trained in a broad range of research tools and strategies across the disciplines.
• Work closely with the liaison librarians to support student research in the first-year seminars (SSIs) and other introductory-level courses.

A Peer Research Advisor can:

• Help you turn a topic into a question as well as get you started on finding evidence (and counter-evidence!) to help you create a persuasive response to that question.
• Work with you to identify relevant databases to locate the information you need.
• Offer guidance on evaluating the sources you do find.
• Help out with citation issues.
• Provide an empathetic ear when you get stuck on a research problem and work with you to generate possible solutions.