No.  Bridwell Library's Reference librarian, Jane Elder, is available throughout the day.  Please feel free to drop in any time.  Her office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  If these times are not convenient for you, she is happy to schedule meetings in the evenings or on Saturday.  Her office number is 214.768.4046 and her email address is jelder@smu.edu. 

Additionally, the students and staff at the Circulation desk are trained in basic Reference and can help to get you started if the Reference librarian is not immediately available. 

What exactly can the Reference librarian help with?

Using PONI (the online catalog), using online resources, evaluating web sites, finding articles and book reviews, doing exegesis, getting started with research projects, finding appropriate resources in Bridwell's collections, questions about footnotes, academic honesty, plagiarism, etc., using Interlibrary Loan, getting started with the microfilm reader, finding books at other institutions, and so on.

Can a group of us come by for help?

Yes.  The Reference office can accommodate up to four patrons comfortably.  If your group is larger, just make an appointment and the Reference librarian will reserve space in which to conduct an instruction session.

What if I feel uncomfortable asking stupid questions?

There are no stupid questions. Students come to Bridwell with an astounding variety of skill sets and life experiences.  Perhaps you are a whiz at computers, but haven't had much experience writing research papers.  Perhaps you are adept at research, but are puzzled by the absence of a card catalog.  Whatever your situation, the Reference and Circulation staff is here to help you with the information you need to make your library experience happy and productive.

How do I get started using the online databases?

There are two ways to access SMU's Online Resources.  You can click the "online resources" link on the PONI (SMU's online catalog) page, and browse from there.  Or you can enter the name of the database in a Basic title search and link to it from the bibliographic record.

How does Interlibrary Loan work?  Does it cost anything?

Interlibrary Loan is a free service provided to SMU faculty, students, and staff.  Essentially it is a way to borrow items (usually books or articles) from other institutions.  To get started, click on the Interlibrary Loan link from the PONI page.  First-time users will be asked to register.  If you register as a Theology student, your ILL transactions will be conducted at Bridwell.  Otherwise, they will go through Fondren.  Once you have registered, it is a matter of filling out the ILL form with the information pertaining to the item you wish to order.  Items should arrive for you to pick up at the Circulation desk in about 10 days, often faster.

What if I have learning differences?

Bridwell Library has two Assistive Technology Stations with Kurzweil, Zoomtext, and eClipse Reader software.  There is no need to reserve these stations.  Just ask the Circulation or Reference staff for help getting started.