Matt Schultz - ENGL190 Section 29 - Fall 2010

Hi everyone! Here are my responses to the questions you submitted after ou library research class on September 21. I'll do my best to explain things, but if you still have questions, please email me and/or post a comment below. -- Jamie Schmid (Your ENGL-190 Librarian)

"Can I get books for my research paper renewed to have them until after my paper is due?"

As long as your library books aren't already overdue, you can renew them online. Here are instructions for you.

Login to My Library Account. (There's a link to this on the SLU Libraries home page.) Click on "Items Currently Checked Out." Renew selected items by placing a check in the box next to items on the list and clicking on "Renew Marked" OR click on "Renew All" to renew everything you have checked out.

Note: Items that other patrons have placed on hold and items with restricted loans cannot be renewed; a system message will tell you that renewal is not possible.

If your library books are already overdue and you'd like to renew them, please call the Pius Library Circulation Desk at 977-3087.

"What times will the library be open and when can we walk into the library?"

Pius Library's hours can be found on the library Web site. We're once again open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. SLU students can enter Pius library any time that it's open.

I'm unclear on "where to go if you want to have a group study session?"

If you'd like to get a key for a study room in the library, please go to the Circulation desk on the first floor by the Pius Library entrance. There is also a lot of seating on the 2nd floor outside of Lewis Annex that would accommodate group seating.

I'm unclear on "where bathrooms are located."

Restrooms are located on the inner part of of Pius Library on each floor.

"I'm still unclear of exactly where everything is located but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually."
AND
"The Pius area was just kind of skipped over - would have liked more info about how to get around."

This online tour of the library is a little out of date (especially the section about the 3rd floor), but it will still help you get a sense of where things are in the library. If there's a particular section that you're looking for, you can consult this guide to Library of Congress subjects and then consult the Pius Library location guide to see where materials in a particular subject area are located.

I'm still unclear about "the testing center."

The Testing Center's Web site has additional information about their services.

"Where is the best place to get help from the writing center?"

SLU's Writing Center locations are listed below. Appointments and walk-ins (when consultants are available) are welcome. To make an appointment at any location, use the online scheduler or call 314-977-3484.

Student Success Center
Location: Busch Student Center, suite 331
Monday- Thursday, 10:00am- 4:00pm
Friday, 10:00am- 2:00pm
Saturday- Sunday, closed

Pius XII Library
Location: Pius XII Library, room 320-8
Monday- Thursday, 10:00am- 7:00pm
Friday, 10:00am- 2:00pm
Saturday, closed
Sunday, 1:00pm- 7:00pm

Student Success Center - Medical Center
Location: Nursing Building, room 114
Monday- Friday, 10:00am- 3:00pm

I'm unclear on "how exactly to locate books on each floor."
AND
I'm unclear on "finding/locating certain books."

It can be challenging to navigate a large library. Please let library staff members know if you're having trouble finding anything. We're happy to help! You can also go to the Reference Desk on the 1st floor if you have any questions.

I'd also recommend that you take a look at this site which covers how to read call numbers in an academic library. This Library of Congress classification guide will also show you how the collection is arranged by subject and these subjects are represented by different letters. This Pius Library location guide will provide information about which call numbers are located on which floors.

"Database research also is uncomfortable/difficult at times."
AND
"I'm still not overly sure how to conduct research using the search engines."

I'd recommend that you think about the main concepts of your research topic and write them down. Then below each concept, write down synonyms and similar keywords and concepts. You can then use these keywords when you search databases for articles. The most important thing is to be flexible! If you try one search and you don't get any results, try something else. The research process involves a lot of trial and error. Also, if you need advice about a specific search strategy, please email me. I'd be happy to help you!

I hope this blog post helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help you! -- Jamie