Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Laura Lengyel Junior elementary education majors Jim Peck and Ellen Ogden use a group study area in Lovejoy Library to prepare for an oral presentation. In addition to providing a quiet place to study, Lovejoy Library offers computers, research assistance and a variety of other resources for students.

Sometimes it may seem as though trying to find a book in a library is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

But senior history major Justin McNutt believes the library is not as intimidating as it might appear to be.

"It can be confusing to come in here," McNutt said, "but once someone explains it all to you, it is fairly easy."

Students may feel as though they are embarking on a treasure hunt looking for that one book in a sea of never-ending aisles and volumes. Instead of wasting time trying to conquer it on your own, learn about the different techniques and procedures to finding a book.

Lydia Jackson, instruction and reference librarian, said the library will provide sessions to learn about the library during the first couple of weeks of the fall semester.

"We are going to show students how to use the online catalog, access electronic resources and guide them through the homepage," Jackson said.

Because there is no registration for the sessions, students may come in at their convenience to multiple sessions throughout the day. Jackson said it is important for freshmen to learn the basic skills of the library to prepare them for their college career.

"We encourage students to come in and feel comfortable and ask questions," Jackson said. "We want to assist them with their research needs."

Besides being able to attend the multiple learning sessions, students can schedule a one-on-one session for a special reason with a subject librarian. Jackson said there are subject librarians in every discipline.

The library's Web site also offers help for students. If a student is not on campus and has a question, the Web site offers e-mail and chatting with a librarian. The site also has a "How do I?" section where students can access frequently asked questions, such as how to put money on your Cougar Card to print paper. The Web site also offers a virtual tour of the library.

Jackson encourages anyone who has questions to go to the information desk, where someone will always be available for assistance. Maps and material location guides are available there as well.

Once a student starts learning the system, Jackson said they should be able to navigate pretty quickly.

Jackson said the Library of Congress Classification System arranges the library, and books are located on all three floors. The classification scheme that starts with L, M, N O or P as well as the reference collection is located on the first floor. A through K and the microfilm and microfiche are on the second floor. Q through Z, as well as U.S. government documents, are on the third floor.

Jackson said students can feel free to contact her with questions at 650-2604 or ljackso@siue.edu.

"We are always available to help," Jackson said.

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