Ask a Librarian: Research help and more Library help

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How to get research help

  Looking for quick research help? Chat online

For quick help, chat live with research experts via AskAway.

​​ Ask us by email

For most research questions, you can use our Ask a Librarian by Email service.

Most answers in one business day or less.

  Book an appointment 

Book an appointment with one of our research experts. 

Research help appointments are available in person, by phone, and on zoom.

  Ask us by phone

  • W.A.C. Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby): 778.782.4345
  • Belzberg Library (SFU Vancouver): 778.782.5051
  • Fraser Library (SFU Surrey): 778.782.7414

   Drop in for in-person help 

Research help desks are available at all three SFU libraries.

During the Fall and Spring semesters, drop-in research help is generally available at these times:

  • Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby): M-F 10am-6pm 
  • Belzberg Library (SFU Vancouver): M-F 11am-6:30pm, Saturday 12pm-5pm 
  • Fraser Library (SFU Surrey): M-F 11am-6:30pm, Sunday 11am-4pm 

During exams, you can phone us or drop by a service counter for help.

Please note that drop-in hours may vary, and appointments have priority over drop-in visits. To guarantee a consultation time, book an appointment.

  Contact a liaison librarian for in-depth research guidance

Working on a longer-term project, and need more specialised help?

For more personalised assistance (especially for graduate and honours students), you can contact a liaison librarian directly. Liaison librarians are specialists in the information sources and approaches for the different SFU faculties, departments, and disciplines.

Browse by librarians' specialties to find "your" librarian!

How long will it take? Note that email can take some time. Please allow at least one working day for our general email service, and longer for requests to liaison librarians. 

More Library help

  Self-service: Get the answers you need on the Library's website -- any time

For almost any question about Library research or services, start by searching our site or checking FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) -- night or day.

Looking for research strategies or resources, or want to browse by academic discipline? Start with Research guides.

  Contact us: Library services, departments, and key staff contacts

Find Library departments and key staff members: 

  Report technical issues or problems with the Catalogue

For technical problems while using the Library's website, or to report errors or technical problems in our Catalogue, contact us for technical assistance: