Most people might be reluctant to admit it, but libraries can be intimidating. And university libraries - with multiple floors and stack upon stack of books - even more so. So, imagine how overwhelming it might be for international students.

The UB library system is trying to make it a bit easier. When international students arrive for classes Monday, they can ask for help through new online services. The "Ask a Librarian" link on the library system's web site lets students instant message, email or phone a question. UB associate librarian Dorothy Tao said some international students actually prefer the more impersonal system because of cultural differences.

Still, even asking questions online can be hard for many students. That is why the UB library system is developing online audio tours. The tours will be available in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, two of the most common languages among UB's international students.

Senior assistant librarian Ligaya Ganster said this is a perfect solution for international students who tend to be very tech saavy.

Ganster said the audio tours should be ready sometime later this fall and will be unveiled for the spring semester. She said they will probably also add references to some UB library books and resources that can help the students adjust to a new culture.

Orientation began last week for about 4,000 international students who are new on campus this year.

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