Ask a Librarian
Text a librarian
Send a text message to 434-260-1882 for quick answers to simple questions,. We will send a brief response (< 150 characters) as soon as we receive your question, during our hours of operation (at right).
Chat with a librarian
You can use the form at right to chat with a librarian during our hours of operation (at right bottom). No account or login is required, but be sure to leave this webpage open while you're waiting for a response.
You can also IM a librarian using your existing AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, or Google Talk account. Our screen name is UVALibRef.
Not at U.Va.? See the note at right.
Reference Email
For general reference questions, use this online form, or send your questions to .
For questions about Special Collections, use this online form.
Telephone one of the Reference Desks
General questions: (434) 924-3021 (Alderman Reference Desk)
For a list of libraries refer to the library directory.
For a list of general hours of operation for each library see the library hours page.
Reference Tutorials
Schedule a research tutorial with a Librarian
Important Note
These services are intended primarily for students, faculty, and staff of the University of Virginia. If you are not affiliated with U.Va., we will reply to your inquiry only if it relates to the University or to a resource unique to the University libraries. For general questions, you may wish to contact a local library.
Hours for Chat and Text Message services
Chat and text messaging service is available every day that Alderman Library is open, from 11am or opening time (whichever is later) until closing time. Click here to view Alderman's hours.