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Research Consultations

This guide provides an overview of NU Library's Research Consultation service.

What is a Research Consultation?

Research consultations are live, one-on-one sessions that provide in-depth, high-level, and customized research assistance with a reference librarian. These sessions are NOT meant to provide basic Library navigation and searching skills. Research consultations are most beneficial for students who have a clearly identified research topic and have already done significant research on their own.

Research Consultation Areas of Assistance: 

  • Developing your search strategy 

  • Identifying relevant databases and journals 

  • Finding and evaluating information resources 

  • Discovering alternative search terms for your topic 

  • Using advanced search techniques for specific databases 

  • Narrowing or broadening your search results 

  • Dissertation research 

  • Finding information about research methodology and design 

Need help with APA, Mechanics, Style of Writing, or Citation Formatting? 

Contact the Academic Success Center for support.

What Time is my Research Consultation?

The NU Library observes Pacific Time for live help hours, scheduled workshops, and individual research consultation appointments.

Below is the current local time for the NU Library:

Research Consultations Policies

  • It is important that you are familiar with basic search techniques. Reviewing the Library's tutorial, Searching 101, is REQUIRED prior to your scheduled session. 
  • Provide all requested information on the schedule request form, including detailed information about your research topic. Failure to do so will result in cancelation of your appointment.
  • Consultations are interactive sessions that occur in Zoom, the Library's online meeting software. You must have access to an internet-enabled computer with audio and visual for the entire length of the session.
  • Once you select your day and time, you will receive a confirmation email containing access and call-in information. Appointments must be scheduled at least three (3) business days in advance in order to allow time for the reference librarian to prepare. NOTE: All research consultations are scheduled in Pacific Time. Please use the Time Zone Converter to calculate your appointment time in your time zone.
  • You are expected to meet your appointment time, or contact us within in a reasonable time period to cancel. The Library relies on the punctuality and consistency of students in order to continue providing the Research Consultation service. Repeated cancelations and "no shows" may result in suspension of scheduling privileges.