Four Easy Ways to Ask a Librarian

By Email

Email the library staff, who frequently check for questions throughout the week, excluding holidays and closure periods.

Instant Message

Monday - Thursday: 8am - 11pm
Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 12pm - 6pm
Sunday: 12pm - 11pm

If we're not available, try e-mail, phone, or in person.

By Phone

Best for questions where you need immediate feedback, but cannot come to the library. Call one of our reference desks. Please check our hours.

Central Reference: 269-387-5178
Science Reference: 269-387-5141
Government Documents: 269-387-5208
Rare Books & Special Collections: 269-387-5221
Education Library: 269-387-5223
Music & Dance Library: 269-387-5237
Archives & Regional History: 269-387-8490

In Person

Visit one of our reference desks in Waldo Library:

Central Reference (1st floor)
Science Reference (lower level)
Government Documents (2nd floor)
Rare Books & Special Collections (3rd floor)

Or visit a branch library:

Archives & Regional History (East Campus)
Education Library (1300 Sangren Hall)
Music & Dance Library (3006 Dalton Center)

Off campus library services are available at the branch campuses by appointment.

About Our Reference Services

Our reference services are available primarily for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Western Michigan University. We will answer questions from the community and other persons if they pertain to the WMU Libraries' collections and resources, including government resources and information.

Reference questions are usually concerned with research, how to find information, and learning about library resources and how to use them.