Reference Services - Bishop's University

Reference Staff will be happy to help you with questions about research and finding materials. Individual assistance is available:

In-person at the Research Assistance Desk, located on the main floor of the Library Learning Commons adjacent to the Library Services Desk.
By phone: 819-822-9600 Ext. 2608.
By email.
By Chat: Available on the Library homepage.

An appointment can be made with a librarian for extended research consultations.

Library Instruction and Orientation

Throughout the year, general library orientation sessions are conducted to acquaint students and faculty with the Library’s resources and services. Seminars in specific subject areas can be offered as well.

If you wish to arrange a library session for your class, please contact the Reference staff. Sessions are limited to a maximum of 35 students. If classes are larger, the group may be divided. It is important that you schedule the session at least one week in advance to allow sufficient time to arrange for a seminar room space and to allow the librarian(s) to prepare the session.

Library instruction is most successful when given in conjunction with an assignment, in order to give students a chance to practice their library skills as well as familiarize themselves with the Library’s resources.

Library Guides

Librarians have created several types of guides. The Bishop’s Resource Guide covers many topics, including using the online discovery tool Sofia and borrowing Resources from other libraries. Librarians have created Subject Research guides in academic disciplines taught at Bishop’s University. The Champlain Research Guide helps Champlain students and faculty access and use the resources available to them at the Bishop’s Library Learning Commons and other off-campus institutions. For information pertaining to the use of copyrighted material, browse the extensive Copyright at Bishop’s University guide. The Citation Guide addresses APA, MLA, and Chicago, the most commonly used citation styles.

Library Tours

Library group tours are offered during the first three weeks of term in September and January. Tours for individuals and smaller groups are available throughout the year by appointment. They are intended for new students and for anyone who wishes to become more familiar with the library and its resources. Included in these sessions are a walking tour of the Library Learning Commons, and a brief demonstration of the Library’s online resources. The tours generally take 30-45 minutes and begin in the lobby.