Reference librarians are available to help patrons use the resources in the library, such as the online catalog, reference collection, periodical indexes and databases, and the Web. They can help you choose appropriate resources for a particular research topic and answer any type of question you might have about doing research or about the Library. 

As the Research and Learning Department offers several ways to obtain research help, during very busy periods, our 'triage' policy is:

• Pre-scheduled research help appointments take priority over walk-up patrons / chat questions / phone questions / e-mail questions
• Responses to live chat questions take priority over walk-up patrons  / phone questions / e-mail questions
• Responses to walk-up patrons take priority over chat questions / phone questions / e-mail questions
• Questions coming in by phone and e-mail will be answered in the order received

• Walk-in Reference: Reference Librarians are available to answer reference questions in the library during regular reference desk hours. They are available by appointment for individual or small-group consultations.
• Telephone Reference: Please call 508.626.4654 to speak with a reference librarian. At busy times priority will be given to users who are there in person.
• E-Mail Reference: Reference questions can be sent via e-mail to:reference@framingham.edu. Also check the link Contact us on the Library home page. Again priority will be given to users who are in the library in person.
• Library Instruction: We offer many types of library instruction sessions. To request a session call Sandra Rothenberg at 508.626.4083, or send an e-mail to srothenberg@framingham.edu