Search Bar Services

The Search Bar offers a suite of peer-to-peer undergraduate student services in Sidewater Commons, located on the first floor of Pattee Library. These services are designed for peers to assist their fellow students toward academic success. The Search Bar is a collaboration between the University Libraries and Penn State Learning.

The Search Bar is open when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters. Peer Research Consultations offer walk-in consultations (no appointments required) and Writing Tutors offer appointment and walk-in tutorials. Appointments with a Writing Tutor can be made through Starfish.

Hours

Monday:  Thursday:  10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m..

Friday:  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday:  CLOSED

Sunday:  6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Services

Peer Research Consultants

Peer Research Consultants help other Penn State students conduct research and use library resources. Students can receive assistance with:

  • Choosing or narrowing down a topic
  • Writing a research question
  • Finding and evaluating information sources
  • Learning more about navigating the Libraries’ website

If needed, students may be referred to the appropriate library subject specialist or service for more advanced assistance.

Writing Center Tutors

Writing tutors from The Writing Center @ Penn State Learning meet with their peers to have conversations about writing in order to help writers express themselves clearly. Writing tutors can help writers:

  • Develop tranferrable writing skills
  • Clarify assignments
  • Improve clarity
  • Strengthen arguments
  • Polish prose

Peer Writing tutors will not edit or write assignments for students, predict grades for papers, or fill out peer review worksheets.

Book a Writing Tutor

English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC) Tutors

Are you a multilingual international student, scholar, or post-doc?

EPPIC offers individual consultations (EICs) to support your growth and confidence in advanced academic and professional English! Bring your own work including academic papers, projects, oral presentations, and more to discuss with a language specialist.

EPPICS Current Hours for EICs in the Search Bar

Monday: 10:00 a.m. - noon
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - noon

Book an EIC.

Contact

General inquiries should be directed to Search Bar staff at searchbar@psu.edu