Research Assistance
Are you writing a paper or working on a project that requires high-quality resources? Reference librarians are available to help you find just what you need. Reference librarians will work with you individually (or in a group if you are working on a group project). Together you will find resources in books, databases, and on the Internet, as appropriate.
Reference Librarians are available at the Reference Desk near the front entrance of the library most hours that the library is open. Stop by the desk when you come in. You can also make an appointment if that would be more convenient.
We realize that you do not always do all of your research work in the library, so we are also available by phone (716-375-2164) or e-mail (ref@sbu.edu).
If you like to work late at night when we're not here, please use our Ask Us 24/7 service, where you can chat online with a qualified librarian who can assist you with many aspects of using the library. You can also use our Text-A-Librarian service (text to 66746, start your message with ASKSBU).
If you have a research assignment in a class, consider asking the professor to schedule a library instruction session for your class. A librarian will work with the professor to customize a session especially for your class, and you will leave the session with some resources in hand, ready to apply to your project.
Access to Library Resources
As a current student, you have full access to all of the library's resources. You can borrow from the collection (see the Circulation page and the New Materials page for further information), and can use all of the library's databases from on-campus or remotely. If you have difficulty with logging into a database, please consult the login assistance page.
Study Space
The library building offers numerous study spaces--you are sure to find a spot that is well-suited to the type of work you need to do. All of our floors offer different types of furniture, from traditional tables and carrels, to casual chair arrangements. The top floor is our quiet floor, by student request. You can work alone or meet with a group on the main floor and lower level.
The library has two computer labs. One is on the main floor, and is adjacent to the Verizon Digital Media Center. This lab never closes for classes, and is one of the most popular labs on campus. There are two black and white high-speed laser printers in the lab, as well as a color printer. A multi-function copier/scanner is next to the lab. The Verizon Digital Media Center offers higher-end computers for digital editing of audio and video, image scanning and editing, and research poster printing. The lower-level computer lab is located in the southwest corner of the lower level. One black and white high-speed laser printer is in the lab. The library building offers wireless networking, and you can send print jobs from your personal computer to any of the library's lab printers. We have also recently added additional power strips throughout the building so that you can plug in your devices more easily while working in the library.
Interlibrary Services
Interlibrary Loan: If the library does not have the material you need for your research, we will obtain it for you. Please see the Interlibrary Loan page for further information.
Academic Access and InfoPass Programs: If you live near another academic library in Western New York, you can visit and borrow from those that participate in the Western New York Library Resources Council's AcademicSHARE and InfoPass Programs.
The AcademicSHARE program allows you to use and borrow from participating libraries. The only identification you need is your valid SBU student ID card. Participating libraries include Buffalo State College E.H. Butler Library, Canisius College Library, Daemen College Library, D'Youville College Library, Erie Community College (all campuses), Medaille College Library, Niagara County Community College Library, Niagara University Library, Trocaire College Library, University at Buffalo Libraries, and Villa Maria College Library.
Public Faxing
If you need to send or receive a fax, please stop by the Reference Desk. The library's fax number is 716-375-2389. If you are having a fax sent to you, please ask the sender to clearly indicate who the fax is for, on the cover sheet or first sheet of the transmission.
Food and Drink Policy
Did you know that you can bring your favorite beverages and snacks into the library to enjoy while you are working? Feel free to bring any beverage in a covered container. Snacks are permitted too, but we ask that you not bring messy or aromatic foods in, out of consideration for others.