2008 Woodie Awards
Library references support students
By: Susan Tobin
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Campus Life
The librarian leans over the shoulder of a student whose anxious expression mirrors the faces of ten other students frantically pounding computer keyboards nearby.
Quietly, the librarian points to something on the screen and makes a few keystrokes. A smile and whispered thanks follow him as he moves on to the next student.
Arthur Buell, reference coordinator, is one of the nine faculty reference librarians at California State University, Stanislaus' Vasche Library. Daily they assist dozens of students navigate the wide range of research resources available through the library.
Dr. Scott Davis, associate professor of English at CSU Stanislaus, has made use of the library's student instruction sessions many times.
"One of the strengths of the library is their support of the teaching needs of faculty," Scott said. "The core library staff are incredibly well trained, highly qualified and dedicated to student learning."
Buell said there has been a large increase in requests for help with online research during the last ten years.
Print journals and the library's book collection have become less popular Buell said.
Still for many students, however, "the library means where you go to find books," Buell said.
With interlibrary loan programs, electronic journals and more than 100 research databases available on 54 subjects, the library has become more than a place for books. These services and many others are free to enrolled students.
The library Web site offers more than search capability. Links at the library home page, www.library.csustan.edu, provide information on:
• How to use library resources
• How to develop a research strategy
• How to cite a resource
• How to evaluate a web site
• Ethical and legal issues
In January 2008, the library changed to the new library catalog online search system. Buell said, "the new system is easier for students to use and has fewer "glitches" than the Ollie system it replaced."
Long-range plans for the library include expansion and renovation of the facility. The University Library Strategic Plan calls for this project to be completed by 2012.
For the immediate future, other than new databases, which are added regularly, "we're just catching our breath after the new library catalog," Buell said.
Quietly, the librarian points to something on the screen and makes a few keystrokes. A smile and whispered thanks follow him as he moves on to the next student.
Arthur Buell, reference coordinator, is one of the nine faculty reference librarians at California State University, Stanislaus' Vasche Library. Daily they assist dozens of students navigate the wide range of research resources available through the library.
Dr. Scott Davis, associate professor of English at CSU Stanislaus, has made use of the library's student instruction sessions many times.
"One of the strengths of the library is their support of the teaching needs of faculty," Scott said. "The core library staff are incredibly well trained, highly qualified and dedicated to student learning."
Buell said there has been a large increase in requests for help with online research during the last ten years.
Print journals and the library's book collection have become less popular Buell said.
Still for many students, however, "the library means where you go to find books," Buell said.
With interlibrary loan programs, electronic journals and more than 100 research databases available on 54 subjects, the library has become more than a place for books. These services and many others are free to enrolled students.
The library Web site offers more than search capability. Links at the library home page, www.library.csustan.edu, provide information on:
• How to use library resources
• How to develop a research strategy
• How to cite a resource
• How to evaluate a web site
• Ethical and legal issues
In January 2008, the library changed to the new library catalog online search system. Buell said, "the new system is easier for students to use and has fewer "glitches" than the Ollie system it replaced."
Long-range plans for the library include expansion and renovation of the facility. The University Library Strategic Plan calls for this project to be completed by 2012.
For the immediate future, other than new databases, which are added regularly, "we're just catching our breath after the new library catalog," Buell said.
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