Get research help

Research can feel difficult at first. You do not have to work everything out alone.

The librarian can help you find information, check sources, organise your notes and give credit to the people whose work you use.

Ask for help early. A short conversation can save time and help you feel more confident.

Ask the librarian

You can ask the librarian for help when you:

• Need to choose or narrow a topic.

• Want to turn a topic into a research question.

• Are not sure where to begin.

• Need books, websites, databases or videos.

• Cannot find enough reliable information.

• Need sources in another language.

• Want to check whether a source is trustworthy.

• Need help understanding a difficult source.

• Are unsure how to take notes or organise evidence.

• Need help creating citations or a bibliography.

• Have questions about using AI for research.

There is no question that is too small to ask.

Arrange a research check-in

A research check-in is a short meeting with the librarian to help you move forward.

You might bring:

• Your assignment instructions.

• Your topic or research question.

• A list of keywords you have tried.

• Notes or sources you have already found.

• A draft, outline or bibliography.

• A question about a website, image, video or AI response.

Together, we can decide what to do next.

Request search support

If you are stuck, explain what you have already tried.

For example:

I am researching how plastic pollution affects oceans. I have searched “plastic pollution,” but I need reliable sources about the effects on animals. Could you help me find books or websites?

The more clearly you explain your question, the easier it is to find useful sources.

Request citation support

Ask for help before your work is due if you are unsure how to give credit.

You can ask:

• How do I cite this website?

• How do I cite a book?

• How do I cite an image or video?

• How do I create a Works Cited page or bibliography?

• How do I acknowledge AI help?

• Have I included enough information about this source?

Bring the source details or link with you.

Ask for help with AI

AI can be useful for learning, but it can also make mistakes or give unclear answers.

Ask the librarian or your teacher if you are unsure:

• Whether AI is allowed for the task.

• How to check information suggested by AI.

• How to find the original source for a claim.

• How to cite or acknowledge AI use.

• How to keep your work in your own words.

Before you ask for help

Try to bring:

• Your question.

• The assignment instructions.

• What you have already tried.

• A source, link, note or draft you want to discuss.

• One clear next step you need help with.

Remember: asking for help is something good researchers do. It shows that you are taking responsibility for your learning.