Library Research Instruction & Workshops
The Claremont Colleges Library offers many opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn to use the wide range of library resources, traditional and electronic, available both within the Libraries and in dorms, offices, and computer centers through the campus network.
Throughout the Libraries web site, many sections provide guidance to use of the Libraries' resources and services. Subject Research Guides identify some of the most important traditional and electronic resources available from the Libraries and provide an excellent starting point for student research. Research Strategies & Tips provide basic assistance with library research. Databases listed by subject identify the most important databases in a wide range of subject areas. The schedule of Workshops lists workshops focused on research in an electronic environment.
Each of the Libraries offers classes, research appointments, and tours. Contact the appropriate Subject Specialist to schedule a class or an appointment.
- Library instruction for classes
- Library instruction for first-year undergraduate classes
- Library instruction on campus
- Orientation tours
- Research appointments
- Workshops
Library instruction for classes
Library research instruction sessions for classes can be scheduled in either of the two Libraries. These sessions are usually scheduled by faculty for their classes; however, students who see a need for large group instruction may also request such a session. The librarian who leads the session will explain strategies for constructing effective searches using various reference tools, both traditional and electronic, and show students how to interpret and evaluate their search results. Most classes are held in the Keck Learning Room in Honnold/Mudd Library, the Libraries smart hands-on classroom.
Library research instruction sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the class. If a class is reading or working on an assignment with a particular focus, the librarian will gear examples to that focus. When you schedule a session, the librarian who will teach the class will meet with you prior to the session to plan what should be covered. Together you may decide to focus on a single database (e.g., PsycINFO for a psychology class), a variety of databases (e.g., Blais, OmniFile, and the MLA Bibliography for a humanities seminar), or a combination of paper and electronic resources. Or you may decide that library instruction for your students will be most effective integrated over the course of the semester instead of in a single session. Contact your Subject Specialist to discuss the possibilities.
Library instruction for first-year undergraduate classes
Library instruction for first-year undergraduate classes are offered for students at most of the colleges through first-year programs such as Pomona's ID1 seminars and HMC's Humanities 1 classes. The librarian who will teach the class will meet with the professor for that class prior to the session to plan what should be covered. If you would like to schedule a library instruction session for your first-year undergraduate class, contact Char Booth, Instruction Services Manager (ext. 74352).
Library instruction on campus
Library instruction for classes and individual appointments may be scheduled on campus as well as in the Libraries.
Orientation tours
Orientation tours can be scheduled by appointment in each of the Libraries throughout the year.
Research appointments
Research appointments for individuals and small groups can be scheduled in either of the two Libraries. Contact the appropriate Subject Specialist to schedule an appointment.
Workshops
Each semester the Libraries offer workshops on use of the Libraries' electronic resources. Workshops are open to all individuals in The Claremont Colleges community. Most are taught in the Keck Learning Room in Honnold/Mudd Library. Check the workshop schedule and register in advance to reserve a place in the workshops you want to attend.
We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to learn about and use the wide variety of resources and technologies available to you from the Libraries. For more information about library instruction and research appointments, or if you would like to schedule a class or an appointment, contact Char Booth, Instruction Services Manager (ext. 74352) or the Subject Specialist for your subject area.