Reference Desk Services
The Law Library Reference Desk provides reference services in person and via email, phone, and chat. The Reference Desk is staffed with professional law librarians and graduate assistants who are waiting to assist you with your questions about research and library services.
Ask a Law Librarian Form: You can fill out the form located at the bottom of this page to ask a question via email. Email is checked each day during reference hours, Monday through Friday, excluding weekends, holidays, and vacation periods. You may expect a reply to your question within 1 business day.
Phone: You may speak to a librarian by calling the Reference Desk at 919-962-1194. Librarians are available during Reference Desk hours. Please leave a voicemail if you do not reach a librarian, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Chat: You can chat with a librarian during Reference Desk hours by clicking on the chat icon on any library webpage. If your question becomes complex, the librarian may ask that you give us a phone call or recommend a research consultation.
In Person: Please stop by the Law Library Reference Desk during open hours to speak with a librarian. No appointment is necessary.
FAQ
Who can use Reference Desk services?
Reference Desk services are open to all UNC faculty, students, and staff, as well as members of the public.
What kind of questions can I ask?
Reference services are intended to assist you with questions about research, including research strategies, locating resources, and database navigation. Librarians are also available to answer other questions you might have about the Law Library or library services. Librarians are not available to answer legal questions or provide legal advice of any kind.
UNC students may be asked to schedule a research consultation if they have a lengthy or involved question.
Will I need to wait to chat with a librarian?
Patrons visiting the Reference Desk in person have priority over patrons calling or using the chat function. If multiple patrons are asking questions, the librarian will do their best to answer questions in a timely manner.
When are reference services offered?
There services are offered during regular Reference Desk hours: Monday – Friday 10:00AM – 4:00PM.
Are my chat questions private?
The Law Library may save the transcript of your chat session for educational and research purposes only. Any use of the transcripts will have all identifying information removed. Any information you provide will remain confidential.
Further questions?
Please contact Assistant Director for Public Services Nicole Downing at ndowning@email.unc.edu or 919-843-9734 with questions about reference services.