With 16 libraries at the University, finding resources for research papers may often seem quite intimidating.
To help students use MIRLYN (the University's online card catalog) and find and evaluate information from the Web, libraries on campus have programs to aid students with their research snags.
Starting two years ago, first-year students have been getting a brief introduction to campus technology during summer orientation.
For students who may have missed these sessions, and for more intense training, the Shapiro Undergraduate Library has the Research Consultation Program, which has been up and running for four years.
"RCP is back due to heavy demand, and because students expressed their appreciation for this service," said Laurie Alexander, an Undergraduate Library reference and instruction librarian. "RCP provides one-to-one help with the research, including MI
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| LOUIS BROWN/Daily Undergraduate Library reference and instruction librarian Laurie ALexander helps LSA senior Kelly Huang yesterday at the UGLY. The Research Consultation provides one-on-one help to students, training them to useMIRLYN, the Web and other information services. |
Students said they are willing to make time in their schedules to check out the training session.
"I've heard of it," said Allen Gavin, an LSA first-year student. "I'm going to have to use it eventually. I'm glad it's there."
Who actually helps the students? "Librarians and students from the School of Information help students by getting them thinking about whether the site is appropriate," Alexander said.
Often, professors and teaching assistants will arrange for their classes to come to the Undergraduate Library and take advantage of such programs.
If students do not have enough time to attend RCP workshops, the librarians at the reference desk usually are willing to help students with their research projects.
"People shouldn't be embarrassed to ask questions," said Deborah Tenofsky, the coordinator of Instructional Services at the undergraduate library. "That's what we're here for. We're here to help."
Graduate students also can find similar online and Web resources. Libraries at the University's Medical School, Business School and other libraries offer similar services to those found at Shapiro and other sites, but under different names.
"I've never heard of it, but it would be a good thing to use," LSA sophomore Carolyn Saline said of RCP.
Information officials said RCP complements the variety of training session already available on campus.
"We see this as a way to supplement the services we already provide," said Kathleen Folger, coordinator of Reference and Information Services.
RCP will begin the week of Oct. 13. Finalized hours for the session have not yet been worked out, but will be posted in the Shapiro lobby. For information-seekers with questions, the Undergraduate Library's reference desk hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
Interested students can find out more information about RCP at http://www.lib.umich.edu/libhome/UGL/uglib.html.
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