How to Get Help from a Librarian at University of Southern Mississippi Libraries

Updated

The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries offer several ways to reach a librarian or staff member, and the right one depends on how quickly you need an answer and how complex your question is. For a quick factual question, use Live Chat or Ask-A-Librarian. For in-depth research help, book a Consultation. For anything account- or policy-related, start with the FAQ page before contacting staff directly.

Help Channels at a Glance

Channel Best for Notes from the site
Live Chat Quick questions, immediate answers Listed under Information and in the main navigation
Ask-A-Librarian Questions you can submit and wait on Listed under Information and in the main navigation
Consultation In-depth, one-on-one research help Listed under Information and in the main navigation
FAQ Policy, access, and service questions Listed under Information and in the main navigation
Employee Directory Reaching a specific person or department Listed under Information and in the main navigation
Contact Us General inquiries and phone contact Listed in the footer with the main library phone number

When to Use Each Option

Live Chat

Choose Live Chat when you need an answer now — for example, confirming whether a database is down, asking how to renew an item, or checking whether a specific journal is available. It appears both in the Information section and the main navigation, so it is one of the fastest entry points on the site.

Ask-A-Librarian

Use Ask-A-Librarian when your question is more involved than a chat but does not require a scheduled meeting — for example, asking for help locating sources on a topic or clarifying a citation style. Because it is a submitted question rather than a live conversation, expect a response rather than an instant answer.

Consultation

Book a Consultation when you want dedicated time with a librarian, such as planning a research strategy for a thesis, working through a literature review, or getting help with data management. This is the appropriate channel for questions that need back-and-forth discussion.

FAQ

Check the FAQ page first for common service and access questions. It sits alongside the other help options under Information, so it is meant to resolve routine questions without tying up staff time.

Employee Directory

Use the Employee Directory when you already know you need a specific person, department, or subject specialist rather than general help.

Contact Us

The footer lists Contact Us along with the library's main phone number, 601.266.4250, and the mailing address at 118 College Drive #5053, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001. Use this for general inquiries that do not fit the other channels.

Before You Ask: Check Hours and Quick Links

Cook Library hours are posted on the site — the current listing shows 7am - 12am. If you plan to visit in person or need live help, confirm hours first, since chat and consultation availability may differ from building hours.

Several common tasks can be handled without a librarian through the Quick Links and Resources sections, including:

  • My Library Account — renewals, holds, and account status
  • Research Guides — subject-specific starting points
  • Articles & Databases and E-Journals — finding sources directly
  • Course Reserves — materials set aside for a class
  • Interlibrary Loan — requesting items the library does not hold
  • Room Reservations — booking library space
  • Style Guide — citation formatting help
  • Patent and Trademark Resource Center — specialized patent and trademark assistance

If your question is really "how do I do X," one of these pages may answer it faster than contacting staff.

A Practical Order of Operations

  1. Check the FAQ for policy and access questions.
  2. Try the relevant Quick Link (My Library Account, Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loan) if the task is self-service.
  3. Use Live Chat for quick questions during open hours.
  4. Submit Ask-A-Librarian if you can wait for a reply.
  5. Book a Consultation for substantial research or data help.
  6. Use the Employee Directory or Contact Us when you need a specific person or general assistance.

Common Pitfalls

  • Expecting instant answers from Ask-A-Librarian. It is a submitted question service, not live chat.
  • Booking a consultation for a one-line question. Chat or the FAQ will resolve those faster.
  • Skipping the FAQ. Many access and service questions are already answered there, which saves you a wait.
  • Assuming all help channels follow building hours. Confirm availability before relying on live or in-person help.