Personal Librarian Program
Since 2010, the Personal Librarian Program has helped raise awareness about the Libraries and increase individualized support to new undergraduates. In the program, incoming freshmen are matched with a member of the library staff who serves as a student's personal guide to library resources and services. Personal Librarians (PLs) help students:
- Navigate the academic library environment
- Get started with using research tools
- Connect with the right person for help
- Learn about new library resources, services, and events
Research Support
Personal librarians answer frequently asked questions about library research tools. However, there are many ways the library helps students get started with research and develop into successful researchers.
- Liaison Librarians: subject experts assigned to the different schools and colleges, available for research consultations in person, over the phone, through email or via IM/chat
- Research Guides: online resources that provide useful suggestions for search tools and sources by research area
- Online Tutorials: learning materials on a variety of topics including the steps in the research process and tips on using specific research tools
For more information, visit the research support section of the Libraries website.
Student Support Services
To a new student, it is not always obvious who or where to go to for help. Personal librarians do not have the expertise or training to support all of a student's needs, such as IT and computer support, tutoring, co-op placement, or writing help.
An important duty of a personal librarian is to connect students with the right person, department, or unit within the library or across campus to best assist. Personal librarians commonly refer students to the following units: