Reference Services

(614) 287-2460 / 5163

Reference librarians at the Columbus State Library are committed to serving library users in a manner that maximizes access to information resources and fosters lifelong learning. Reference librarians are on duty during all hours the library is open.

Library Instruction
Library Tours
Reference Assistance
Research Guides

Upon request, librarians will instruct students, faculty, and staff in the use of both electronic and print resources, explain how the library is organized, and give general and specific information on the library's collections and services. In addition, customized instruction sessions designed to introduce classes to library research or specialized subject resources can be arranged. The goal of the library instruction program is to teach library users the skills necessary to locate, access, and effectively evaluate a wide range of information sources. Library instruction classes can be arranged by calling: (614) 287-2460.

Library orientation tours are conducted to give library users more thorough knowledge of the physical arrangement of the library, its collections, and the general policies for library use. A tour of the library will provide library users with the knowledge of where information sources are located. In fact, library tours should not be confused with library instruction classes. The experience of a library tour will allow library users to feel comfortable with the library and staff, and is a first step to a continuing involvement with the library.

Library tours can be arranged by calling: (614) 287-2460.

Reference Librarians are available to help library users in locating books, articles, and other materials, and in finding information on a particular subject. This includes providing instruction on the use of various printed and electronic resources including the Internet and the World Wide Web.

If the material you are seeking is not available in the Columbus State Library, librarians can help you obtain the material from other libraries through OhioLINK or Interlibrary Loan. Please inquire at the reference desk for information on the coverage and use of available databases.

Any library user is invited to come visit or make an appointment with a reference librarian by calling: (614) 287-2460.

Chat and email reference assistance is also provided. Just Ask A Librarian!

The following instructional reference guides are available to library users and can be found in the reference area on the 2nd floor of Columbus Hall:

Career or Transfer School Research (pdf)
Citing Sources Using APA (pdf)
Citing Sources Using MLA (pdf)
Creating MLA/APA In-Text Citations (pdf)
Evaluating Web Sites (pdf)
Getting Started with Research (pdf)
Researching an American Author (pdf)
Researching World Cultures & Ethnic Groups (pdf)
Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines (pdf)
Searching Academic Search Complete (pdf)
Searching the Library's Catalog (CSLink) (pdf)
Searching LexisNexis (pdf)

Library Privacy & Confidentiality Statement
Library Code of Conduct