Library Services

There are four types of student research questions that can be asked:

1) Direct Research:Today research students and faculty have a seamless access to information and resources. With the advent of global search engines such as Google Scholar, the Free Library and others; the ‘library research experience’ is direct; i.e. 99% of searches are done personally by students and faculty in a modern university sitting at their desk in home or campus; without the intervention of a librarian. You can do such direct research by using any of the links to the free online libraries listed in the ‘Direct Research’ Tab.

2) Librarian Services:If you have a research question that needs the services of a Librarian, go to the ‘Librarian’ tab, and ask a question via the ‘My Questions’ button. The maximum response time is three-days. If students need a question answered in less than three days’ time, or if TopiaU is currently at its quota for the number of questions that it can reasonably answer according to its usual standards of quality and service, they may receive either (1) a message explaining why TopiaU could not take the question and offering some suggestions for continuing their research; or (2) a "quick" answer to the question.

Otherwise, a student will receive an e-mail letting them know that TopiaU is working on their requests. Within a week, a student will receive an e-mail back from TopiaU answering the question.

If students wish to ask follow-up questions, clarify an original request, thank the question answerer, etc. a student can do so by replying to TopiaU’s last e-mail.

3) Advanced Librarian Research:If what the student asks at the ‘My Questions’ link is considered an advanced research request by the Librarian at TopiaU, the student will be told by the TopiaU Librarian that a fee may be involved. The minimum fee for a standard search will be US$25 payable by a student in advance. Payments are collected directly by the student’s university or other institution on behalf of TopiaU.

4) Complex Librarian Services: For more very complex librarian services, that will cost more than US$25; a quote will be provided to students prior to commencement. Students should note that there are also download fees payable to some commercial publishers for copyrighted material.