How Can We Help You?

It's hard to believe, but a new academic year is already here.  As you plan for the coming semester, we'd like to remind you of the many services we provide to you and your students. 

Could your entire class benefit from some library instruction, customized to address the specific needs of your course assignment?  Consider scheduling a Library Instruction Session by contacting Phil Waterman, Head of Research Support Services.  A Research Services librarian can visit your classroom or host your class in the library, and provide your students with the tools and skills they need to succeed.  Topics might include database selection, website evaluation, citation management, search strategies, or any other topic related to locating, evaluating, using, and sharing information.  Suggestions for new instruction topics are always welcome!

Individual Research Appointments can be easily scheduled with our online appointment calendar.  Students can select a weekday and time that is convenient for them to sit down one-on-one with a Research Services librarian.  They may schedule an appointment a month or a single day in advance!  Appointments typically last 30 minutes, but may be longer or shorter depending on the need.

This year, we have implemented a new Personal Librarian Program, specifically for our first year students.  Each student has been assigned to a "Personal Librarian" who will reach out to them periodically, through a library BrightSpace course, to provide advice and research tips. Students are invited to contact their Personal Librarian for help and were introduced to them during their orientation. The Personal Librarian will also be conducting a library workshop for their students during a Common Hour period, in collaboration with the faculty of their COMPASS Learning Communities.

Students can contact a Research Services librarian through email, phone, or our Online Chat Service.  This helpful chat invitation will appear whenever a person lingers on the library website pages. Students can click the box to chat instantly with a librarian. Generally, the online chat is available during the same hours as our Research Help Desk (see below). Chat boxes also appear in most online Research Guides and a select number of databases.

Students can also visit the Research Help Desk in person, located on the first floor of the library, to get personalized assistance without an appointment.  The desk is staffed six days a week, including weekend and evening hours.  Mondays-Thursdays (11:00am-9:00pm), Fridays (11:00am-3:00pm), and Sundays (11:00am-7:00pm).

Have a question or a suggestion for other ways to reach our students?  Let Us Know!