Reference Desk: Reference librarians provide a range of informational and instructional services including assistance in finding specific facts and information; instructing users how to use online databases and develop appropriate search strategies; and assisting students in selecting, locating, and using materials to complete assignments. Check the Reference Desk hours for availability.
In-depth Consultations: Appointments may be made with Subject Specialist Librarians for lengthier consultations on a topic or reference source.
Virtual Reference: Students, faculty, and staff may access our 24/7 Online Virtual Reference Chat Room Service. Click Chat with a Librarian and you can have questions answered in real-time by a reference librarian.
Text a Librarian: We offer free text messaging reference services (standard message rates apply). Text us at (818) 900-2965. Store the number in your contacts and text us anytime you have a question. Service hours Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. More about Text a Librarian.
Phone Reference: Call (818) 677-6671 to speak to a librarian during Reference Desk hours.

Instructional Services

Librarians offer a range of services to members of the University community including course-related sessions and consultation services. Faculty members are encouraged to consult with their discipline's librarian (see Librarians' Subject Specialties) and/or find out about Library Instruction Support.

The goals of our instructional services are to:

Provide information competence-based orientation and instruction on library resources and research strategies in a variety of formats to individuals, groups, and remote members of the University community.
Actively partner with faculty and other campus entities to integrate information competence instruction into University coursework and instructional planning and co-curricular activities.
Promote information competence to the faculty and administration as an integral part of education and research at California State University Northridge.

Outreach Services

Library Tours

Classes and community groups are welcome to book tours for a guided, expert-led introduction to the library building, tailored to meet the group's needs and interests

K-12 Outreach

CSUN Library regularly partners with K-12 schools from the San Fernando Valley and greater LA area. Services include guided tours, experiential learning activities for all ages, a comprehensive high school partnership program that supports students through instruction, database assistance, and our high school book borrowing program.

Student-centered programming & campus-wide outreach

Librarians plan annual events, interesting events and engaging activities and programs, book displays; participate in recruitment and retention activities: New Student Orientation, Open House, CSUN Day, and Admitted Matadors Day.

Internships for graduate students (library science)

An internship in the Research, Instruction and Outreach Services Department can be a great addition to your resume.

Ecklund Internship in Research, Instruction and Outreach Services