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 Consultants offer walk-in consultations (no appointments required) and in-person or virtual appoints that can be made through Starfish.
Current Hours
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 transferable 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.
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
Contact
General inquiries should be directed to Search Bar staff at searchbar@psu.edu