Reference Services
Information Desk staff understand how libraries and databases work. They can:
- show you how to search for books or articles
- teach you how to use databases and the Internet
- give directions to obtain material not on campus
- advise on where and how to look when you have run out of ideas.
Reference Services include:
Research Database Instruction
Reference by Appointment
Paid Database Search Services
Information Desk hours are:
- Monday-Friday 8:30am-10:00pm (9:00 in Spring & Summer sessions)
- Saturday 10:00am-7:00pm
- Sunday Noon-10:00pm
The library reference collection includes:
- directories of companies and organizations
- dictionaries for subjects and for major languages
- specialist encyclopedias for many subjects
- university calendars
- Canadian government publications
We also have hundreds of reference books in electronic format, accessible 24/7 from our E-books page.
Pamphlets for writing a term paper, preparing your thesis, using the Novanet Library Catalogue, and research databases are available at the Information Desk, located in the Information Room on the main floor of the library.
If you want to talk to a librarian about a research problem, call or email the contact information below. One on one instruction is available for individual help using computer indexes and databases.
If you require assistance please consult the Information Desk staff in person, by calling 420-5544, or by e-mail research@smu.ca.
The library offers instruction for individuals or groups in the use of research databases, CD-ROM indexes, Internet and other research tools. To get the most out of these important information sources we encourage you to take an instruction session. If you have any questions about the use of research databases, Internet sources, or any other electronic information source please call ( 420-5544 ), stop by the Patrick Power Library Information Desk, or e-mail us.
Sometimes you encounter a research problem that's a little outside your experience. You might be starting a thesis or an MRP (MBA Major Research Project). You may not know how to use the library or may want to become a more effective user. You may be trying to verify an obscure fact or assemble a mass of statistical data.
You might think that the library staff are "too busy to help." Not so. What you need is REFERENCE BY APPOINTMENT.
During weekday mornings (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday) and weekday afternoons(Monday to Friday), you can schedule an hour of a librarian's undivided attention. Appointments are normally for one hour, between 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m.
To make an appointment, please call; 1-902-420-5544 or send us an email.
When making an appointment, please outline for staff the field of study in which your subject falls and what your special need might be.
When you just don't know where else to turn, ask a librarian!
Even with networked research databases and CD-ROM and the Internet there remain many databases (either bibliographic or numeric) from which information may be purchased. Libraries have many names for services which search these databases: online bibliographic enquiry, mediated searching, information retrieval.
Researchers use the paid database search to obtain information which may not be otherwise available. You can explore these possibilities by calling the Reference Desk and speaking to a staff member.
Telephone: 1-902-420-5544
Staff who run searches want to give you the best results for the least
cost, and they will want to ask you in person about your specific needs.
It helps to know:
- where you have looked already,
- what you found,
- why what you found might not be what you want,
- how much money you are prepared to spend on a search.
Searches are run by library staff since search charges are based on the amount of computer time taken, the number of items you look at, what you print off, and so on. Because of their experience, library staff can save you money.
How much does it cost? For purposes of estimation, presume $1.50 per reference displayed, whether the reference is relevant to your work or not. Scientific databases cost much more, since their per-minute online costs are higher, they charge royalty fees for every record, and their cost to display a record is high.
The Library carries out each search on a cost-recovery basis. While Saint Mary's users do not pay for staff time, they do pay for everything else: connect time, telecommunication charges, royalties, display and print costs, etc.
Last Updated:
November 8, 2011
This page last modified Tuesday, 08-Nov-2011 14:18:22 AST