Reference Instruction
The Reference Department includes both Reference Librarians and Learning Resource Specialists to assist and instruct patrons in conducting an effective information search. This service includes both one-on-one and class instruction. Faculty members wanting to schedule class instruction should contact the reference department by phone at (210) 531-3330. We ask that Facultly work with the Librarian to determine how much notice is needed to develop a quality instructional session.
Types of class instruction:
- General Orientation-An introduction to the resources and services offered at the St. Philip's College Learning Resource Center. Primarily an overview of the LRC's resources and may include a walking tour of the facility.
- Searching the Online Catalog-Basic Online Catalog searching, including known item (e.g. author and title), Library of Congress Subject Headings, and keywords. Instruction will also include retrieving items located by using the online catalog. This portion includes a brief explanation of the Library of Congress Call Numbering system.
- Using Indexes and Abstracts-Locating articles from periodicals using electronic indexes and/or print; A non-subject specific instructional session on index searching and the retrieving of desired articles in all formats offered by the Learning Resource Center. These formats include locating both popular magazines and scholarly journals or it may be limited to scholarly journals as requested by the instructor. The session may be modified to concentrate on subject specific indexes.
- Resources for Subject Areas-An instructional session on all resources available at the Learning Resource Center regarding a specific topic. For example, a session may concentrate on locating resources concerning visual arts, consumer health, or literary criticism.
- Interlibrary Loan-Materials from other libraries may be available by request. These materials arrive in a timely manner to be picked up by the patron in the Library. No fee is charges by the Library for this service but any fees charged by the Lending library are the responsibility of the patron. Loan periods are determined by the lending library. In addition, St. Philip's College students may use their student ID at any of the Alamo Community Colleges.
- TexShare