PAWS is a research consultation service for UAlbany students, faculty and staff that provides a one-hour appointment with a reference librarian.
During your consultation we can:
- Direct you to specialized databases to get in-depth information in your field of study
- Help you select search terms that will yield better results
- Develop search strategies and give you tips for searching
- Find citations to resources located at other libraries
Schedule a PAWS Appointment
Appointments are available Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm at the University Library, Dewey Library, and Science Library. Appointments require 24-hour advance notice.
Need help right now and can't wait for an appointment?
Chat with a librarian or stop by the Research Help Desk
PAWS Research Plan
To help you get started and make the most of your consultation, you may want to write down your research topic and question and indicate the types of sources you need on the PAWS Research plan before your appointment.
Faculty or Graduate Student?
For an in-depth research consultation, make an appointment with your subject librarian.
Our Subject Librarians have expertise in particular academic disciplines and topic areas and can help you with research strategies, focusing on a topic, and evaluating information.
Virtual PAWS
Virtual PAWS is a research consultation service for UAlbany students enrolled in distance programs. We provide a one-hour appointment with a reference librarian using Join.Me, a video-conferencing and screen-sharing program.
You can make an appointment using the link below. Select your UAlbany status, and then select 'Virtual Appointment.'
Other Research Services at UAlbany
Information Literacy Instruction
Our Information Literacy Librarians design and teach engaging courses on information literacy topics, tailored to the needs of your course. As an instructor, you can request one-time library instruction for your students or recommend to them our credit-bearing courses, MOOCs, or other workshops as ways of developing information literacy skills.
UAlbany Writing Center
Since 1977 the Writing Center has offered students, faculty and staff a process-based approach to writing at any stage of the writing process.