Ask a Librarian provides direct access to MCA Library assistance for students, academic staff, researchers and other authorised Library users.
Need help finding information, searching the catalogue, accessing electronic resources, conducting a literature search or identifying appropriate sources for your academic or research work? Our librarians can help.
Chat with a Librarian
Live Library Assistance
Use the MCA Library's live chat service to communicate directly with a librarian when the service is available.
To start a conversation, use the chat widget displayed on this Library Website.
Please identify your campus and briefly describe what you need help with. This will help the librarian understand your enquiry and provide appropriate assistance.
Ask a Librarian can help with:
- Searching the MCA Library catalogue
- Finding books and other Library resources
- Finding journal articles and scholarly literature
- Using electronic databases and digital resources
- Developing literature-search strategies
- Identifying suitable information sources
- Referencing and citation guidance
- Research information needs
- Library services, procedures and facilities
When You Contact a Librarian
To help us respond effectively, please provide enough information about your enquiry.
Identify Your Campus
Tell us whether you are using the Blantyre, Lilongwe or Mzuzu Campus Library.
Describe Your Need
Explain what information, resource, service or assistance you are looking for.
Provide Your Topic
For research enquiries, provide your topic, assignment, project, dissertation or research question where relevant.
Tell Us What You Have Tried
Where possible, indicate what you have already searched or which resources you have used.
Research and Academic Support
Library assistance extends beyond locating books. Librarians can provide guidance on information discovery and the use of Library resources for academic and research purposes.
Literature Searching
Guidance on developing effective search strategies and identifying relevant scholarly information.
Electronic Resources
Assistance with discovering and accessing the electronic resources available through the Library.
Referencing and Citation
General guidance on locating and using appropriate referencing and citation resources.
Research Support
Assistance with information needs arising from assignments, projects, dissertations, theses and other research activities.
When the Live Chat Is Unavailable
Library staff may not always be available for live chat. Availability may depend on Library operating hours, staff availability and other operational circumstances.
When live assistance is unavailable, please use the College's official online contact facility to submit your enquiry.
Submit an Enquiry
Please indicate that your enquiry is intended for the Library and identify your campus.
Campus Library Support
MCA Library services are provided across the College's three campus locations.
Blantyre Campus Library
Library support for the Blantyre Campus community.
Lilongwe Campus Library
Library support for the Lilongwe Campus community.
Mzuzu Campus Library
Library support for the Mzuzu Campus community.
Privacy and Responsible Use
Please do not share passwords, Library PINs, financial information or other sensitive personal information through a general Library enquiry.
For account-specific matters involving confidential patron information, use the appropriate secure Library account function or contact Library staff through an authorised channel.
Search the Library Catalogue
You can begin your search independently using the MCA Library catalogue and ask a librarian for assistance when needed.
Search the Catalogue