Live Chat
Get reference help 24/7. When USC librarians are not available, academic librarians from other institutions will answer your questions. For some quick questions, try our FAQ page!
IM unavailable, please use 24/7 chat
The Librarian is in
24/7 Chat
USC Libraries participates in a nationwide cooperative bringing you reference help 24/7.
USC librarians staff the service:
Mondays & Wednesdays 1-5 pm [academic year only];
Tuesdays 1-6 pm and Thursdays 2-5 pm [academic year + summer]
[ALL HOLIDAYS EXCEPTIONS]
Please note at all other times your question will be answered by non-USC librarians.
Type your question below. When you click the "submit" button, a chat session will begin.
E-mail and Chat Services Include:
This service is primarily designed for questions that only require a short answer, for example:
- To get information on library services and facilities
- To verify bibliographic citation information
- To request addresses/phone numbers/web sites for companies, associations or government agencies
- To seek assistance in accessing library databases
For other more complex questions, we recommend that you contact us by phone or in person. We will often provide a source or give you a referral, for example:
- To locate factual information, such as statistics or biographical information
- For basic guidance concerning research on a specific topic
Some questions may request services, which are excluded. For example:
- To fax or send materials
- To renew materials checked out from the library (Contact Circulation to do this: 213-740-2924)
- To do detailed research or provide bibliographies