A student is having difficulty locating material online, what should the librarian do?

When a student is struggling to find material online, the best course of action for the librarian is to ask if the student needs help and provide assistance as needed. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and demonstrates the librarian's commitment to student success. By engaging directly with the student, the librarian can identify specific challenges the student is facing, such as difficulties with search terms, understanding how to navigate online databases, or utilizing digital libraries effectively.

Offering direct assistance empowers the student, guiding them through the process of locating relevant materials while also enhancing their research skills. This interaction not only helps the immediate situation but also builds the student's confidence in using library resources. The librarian's role is to facilitate learning and help students develop effective research strategies, making this option the most beneficial for the student.