The Reference and Instruction Department provides assistance to users in understanding what information is available through our Library and where it can be accessed.
We will help our students develop sophisticated information skills that serve their immediate research needs, as well as afford an excellent preparation for graduate studies, careers, and lifelong learning. We will use a variety of methods, including course-integrated library instruction, personal assistance at the Reference Desk and in office consultations, and instructional guides. We will introduce students to both traditional library resources and the best of the emerging information technologies. We will supplement this pedagogical emphasis with the accurate provision of factual information to our students and faculty.
Reference Desk Services Immediate assistance with information questions is available at the Reference Desk on the First Floor of the Library. Staff will assist you with sources and search strategies suitable to your specific needs.
Reference Desk Hours and Phone
Librarians are available during business hours for consultation by appointment. Appointments may be scheduled with the Librarian Subject Specialist in a particular subject, through our secretary at x3076 or use our Research Assistance Appointment Form.
askNOW! askNOW! is a real time reference service that lets you ask questions and get answers from our reference staff and others on the 24/7 reference network.
Reference questions may be emailed to Librarian Subject Specialists in discipline-specific information resources or to the library's general email reference address use our Email Reference Form.
About Our Instruction ProgramThe library's program for Instruction is designed to introduce students to the basic sources and library research strategies needed for a specific course or assignment. The presentations are designed for the course assignment, while also emphasizing principles applicable to future information gathering needs in support of lifelong learning.
We offer classroom sessions in a computerized classroom that allows for the demonstration and the hands on learning of library resources. We also offer individual instruction, web based tutorials, and printed guides.
"Information Competence" is term used by the CSU to denote a set of skills for lifelong learning a person should attain from the university experience. Often called "Information Literacy", we are strong proponents of this concept. Read about Information Competence projects on both the CSU, National and Cal Poly Pomona level on our Information Competence link site.
Our Instruction Facilities
The Information Learning Center in Room 114 is fully equipped for interactive, hands-on instruction with workstations to provide access to the Library Home Page, the Library Catalog, electronic databases, ejournals, ebooks, and the Internet. This room has 15 workstations that can accommodate up to 30 students.
The Information Learning Center in Room 227A is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for interactive, hands-on instruction with workstations to provide access to the Library Home Page, the Library Catalog, electronic databases, ejournals, ebooks, and the Internet. It is equipped with 30 workstations that can accommodate up to 60 students.
What is Taught The instruction period may include the following: introduction to library services and collections; the Library Catalog; databases in various formats -- print, online; internet resources; use of reference books and other library materials. Students may also receive printed materials listing important sources or procedures.
Throughout the presentation the Librarian will discuss how to think critically about information needs by defining what is needed, investigating appropriate sources, and evaluating sources of information for relevance, reliability, and objectivity.
Open Workshops We currently offer open workshops at a variety of times during the quarter; many instructors prefer to have their students attend these workshops for extra credit than to request instruction (below) during the regular class times. Quarterly Open Workshops Schedule.
We work with faculty to schedule Library Instruction classes to meet the needs of their classes. Librarians carry multiple responsibilities and are committed to careful preparation for each Library Instruction class they teach.
Please schedule Library Instruction classes at least 7 working days in advance. You may schedule a class via the web using our Request for Library Instruction Form or call the department secretary in the Reference/Instruction Office at x3076. Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis, so please schedule early. Be prepared to give the following information: date, time, class title/number, number of students, nature of the library assignment, and what sources you would like addressed.
The Reference Directory contains contact names for all librarians and staff in our department.
Emma Gibson
AUL for Reference, Instruction and Collections
(909) 869-3080
