Hey man, do have have computers in your library that you can use to search the library catalogs?
If you wanted to remain totally under the radar in the initial opening moments (which is usually how I game), just open with something like 'Hey, do you know where the library catalog search stations are?' but be prepared to follow it with something. I usually look for similarities like 'Oh hey, you're studying .... too! What did you think of...' or 'Hey, you're wearing a ... shirt! I love that band!' or 'Hey, you have a nose! I have a nose too!'
If you can't find any similarities, just follow on with something like 'Wow, i'm just new to this place and i'm completely lost. You seem to know what's going on, how long have you been here'. Blah blah blah.
You couldn't also take a completely different approach and say something like 'I don't really care, I just wanted to talk to you'. *beam
* But I don't really recommend this approach unless you've already got a handful of IOI's. But there you go! A versatile and easy opener for you friend! Have fun!
Peace
Skittles