Distance Education - Reference Assistance

The reference services offered to NSU distance education students are similar to the services offered to NSU students in residence on campus. Students on and off campus can contact a reference librarian for assistance with the following:

Answers to ready reference questions
Assistance with the research process
Instruction in the use of online databases
Assistance in locating and requesting materials

Telephone

Contact our reference desk by calling 605 626-3018 or toll-free at 800 678-5330 (press 1 for Admissions). Reference librarians or reference assistants are on duty during the hours the library is open and classes are in session. Check the Library Hours Web page for a schedule.

E-Mail

Complete and send our email reference form and you'll receive a response within 24 hours when classes are in session (excluding weekends and holidays).

Live Chat

NSU has an online reference service. Ask your question and receive a quick response, online and in real time when the librarians are online. Live chat reference service is available most hours the library is open when classes are in session.  For more information, see our Ask a Librarian page.

Consultation

If you would like to schedule an extended consultation to discuss a specific project with a librarian, just send an email to reference@northern.edu or contact us by phone at 605 626-3018 or toll-free at 800 678-5330 (press 1 for Admissions). To enable us to better help you, we ask that you give us information about your research topic or a description of your assignment. Tell us where you are in the research process and provide a list of the sources you have already checked. We will set up a time to work with you by phone or email.

In Person

If you happen to be on campus you can work with a reference librarian or reference assistant at the reference desk during the hours the library is open and classes are in session. Check the Library Hours Web page for a schedule.