Ask Us
Call, email, live chat or just stop by. Note that while our text, email and live chat services are intended for use by Northwestern students, faculty and staff, we will also attempt to answer questions from the general public.
- Email us at library@northwestern.edu; questions are usually answered by the next business day.
- Live chat with a librarian Monday - Thursday: 8am - 8pm; Friday: 8am - 6pm; Saturday and Sunday: 11am - 5pm. Questions submitted after hours will be answered the following business day.
Specialized support
Subject librarians
Our subject librarians are subject-matter experts who can be contacted for research help, classroom instructions, purchase of library materials and more. Visit our Subject Librarian webpage for contact information and to access our research subject guides.
Research consultations
In-depth research assistance is available through one-on-one research consultations. Complete our online Research Consultation Appointment Request form to get started.
Research assistance
For detailed help in specific areas you may wish to contact the following departments or libraries:
- Art Library
- Galter Library (Health Sciences)
- Government and Geographic Information
- Herskovits Library (African Studies)
- Math Library
- McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives
- Mudd Library
- Music Library
- Pritzker Legal Research Center
- Transportation Library
- Schaffner Library
Frequently asked questions
Consult our FAQs for answers to common questions across a variety of topics.