Ask a Librarian
Need help finding information, searching the Library catalogue, accessing electronic resources, conducting a literature search or using Library services?
Ask a Librarian provides direct online assistance from the MCA Library through our live chat service.
Chat with a Librarian
Live Library Assistance
The MCA Library uses an online live-chat service to help students, academic staff, researchers and other authorised users with their Library and information needs.
To start a conversation, open the Ask a Librarian chat widget displayed on this website.
A librarian will assist you when the live-chat service is available.
What Can We Help You With?
Catalogue Searching
Help searching the MCA Library catalogue and locating books and other Library materials.
Finding Information
Assistance identifying and locating appropriate information resources for your academic work.
Electronic Resources
Guidance on accessing electronic databases, e-books, e-journals and other digital Library resources.
Literature Searching
Help developing search terms and strategies for assignments, projects, dissertations, theses and research.
Research Support
Assistance with identifying information resources and addressing Library-related research needs.
Referencing Support
General guidance on finding information about referencing and citation practices.
When You Contact a Librarian
To help the librarian understand your enquiry, please provide enough information about what you need.
- Identify your campus: Blantyre, Lilongwe or Mzuzu.
- Briefly describe your question or information need.
- Provide your topic, course, assignment or research area where relevant.
- Mention any keywords, author names, titles or subjects that may help identify the resource you need.
- Tell the librarian what you have already searched, where applicable.
Research and Academic Enquiries
Librarians can provide information and research support that helps users discover, evaluate and use Library resources.
Support may include literature searching, discovering electronic resources, identifying appropriate information sources and navigating Library services.
Users remain responsible for the academic work they submit and for complying with applicable academic integrity, copyright and citation requirements.
When Live Chat Is Unavailable
Live-chat availability depends on Library operating hours and staff availability.
When a librarian is not available for live chat, please use the College's official online enquiry facility or contact the Library through an authorised channel.
Campus Library Support
Library services are provided across MCA's three campus locations.
Blantyre Campus
Library support for students, staff and researchers using the Blantyre Campus Library.
Lilongwe Campus
Library support for students, staff and researchers using the Lilongwe Campus Library.
Mzuzu Campus
Library support for students, staff and researchers using the Mzuzu Campus Library.
Privacy and Responsible Use
Please do not share passwords, Library PINs, financial information or other sensitive personal information through a general Library enquiry.
For confidential account matters, use the secure Library account facilities or an authorised Library communication channel.
Search the Library Catalogue
You can begin by searching the MCA Library catalogue and ask a librarian for assistance when needed.