Services | Research Help
About
The Library provides many resources and research assistance for all library users. We provide one-on-one assistance at the Information Desk where you are always welcome to ask any questions you many have. Whether it is finding a print book for your paper or using electronic resources, the Library also hosts group library instruction sessions you can sign up for and sessions for your entire class.
At the Desk
The library Information Desk is staffed with knowledgeable library staff members ready to answer your questions and help you find the information and resources you are looking for. We provide research skills training & one-on-one instruction on searching for electronic resources, e-books and print resources (books, audio/visual materials etc.).
- There is a laptop across from the printer/copier (Quick Ref) used to demonstrate search strategies with print and electronic resources;
- Use the Quick Ref laptop to quickly search our catalogue or website without having to take the time to login to a computer;
- If you have a question, just Ask Us!
Instruction Sessions
Library Instruction classes teach people how to use the library databases to help with their research, course work, or just how to find stuff in the library. St. Mary’s Library offers instruction on:
- Getting to Know the Library: Tour the physical collection of the Library and learn how the shelves are organized by location and call number. Learn about different types of items, and how to find physical items on the shelf.
- Introduction to Library Resources: This session will provide an overview of the resources to which the Library provides access, where to find them on the Library website, and the most effective methods of navigating the Library catalog.
- Research Basics: This session will focus on the basics of academic research in online environments, including navigating the Library’s website and how to structure searches for optimized results.
- Using Subject Specific Databases: These sessions will build upon the basic search techniques taught in Research Basics (not required for attendance). Students from all disciplines are invited, but the focus will be on the subject specified in the calendar.
- Using Library Ebooks: Learn how to search for ebooks using Ebook Central or EBSCO Ebooks (register for one or both sessions), & how to work with those ebooks online.
- Streaming Video via the Library: This session will explore the STMU Library’s three main streaming services: Theatre in Video, Academic Video on Demand, and NFB Campus. These resources contain materials related to the Natural Sciences, History, English, Indigenous Studies, Drama, and more.
- Locating Primary Sources: This session will explore the various collections available through the Gale Primary Source Archive including Eighteenth & Nineteenth Century Collections online and various newspaper archives. This session will be of particular interest to students taking courses in English and History.
Please check the Sessions Schedule for details on when each class is being offered.
Sessions Schedule
Seats are available in Library Instruction sessions on a first-come, first served basis. You can sign up for sessions & check the schedule of sessions online @ https://ss.stmu.ca/SelfService/Records/LearningCentreAppointments.aspx. Just use the StMU ID & Password that you use for StMU Webmail and for myStMU.
Click on the column headings to sort the list by SESSION, LOCATION, DAY, DATE or TIME
Library Instruction Sessions - Winter Term 2022
SESSION | LOCATION | DAY | DATE | TIME |
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Library Resources This session will provide an overview of the resources to which the Library provides access, where to find them on the Library website, and the most effective methods of navigating the Library catalog. | MS Teams | Monday | Jan 17 | 1:00 - 1:50 pm |
Research Basics This session will focus on the basics of academic research in online environments, including navigating the Library's website and how to structure searches for optimized results. | MS Teams | Thursday | Jan 27 | 1:00 - 1:50 pm |
Introduction to Library Resources This session will provide an overview of the resources to which the Library provides access, where to find them on the Library website, and the most effective methods of navigating the Library catalog. | MS Teams | Tuesday | Feb 1 | 10:00 - 10:50 am |
Using Library Ebooks: ProQuest Ebook Central Learn how to search for ebooks using ProQuest Ebook Central & how to work with those ebooks online. | MS Teams | Thursday | Feb 3 | 9:30 - 10:20 am |
Using Library Ebooks: EBSCOhost Academic Ebook Collections Learn how to search for ebooks using EBSCO Ebooks & how to work with those ebooks online. | MS Teams | Monday | Feb 7 | 1:30 - 2:20 pm |
Research Basics This session will focus on the basics of academic research in online environments, including navigating the Library's website and how to structure searches for optimized results. | MS Teams | Wednesday | Feb 9 | 2:00 - 2:50 pm |
Locating Primary Sources This session will explore the various collections available through the Gale Primary Source Archive including Eighteenth & Nineteenth Century Collections online and various newspaper archives. This session will be of particular interest to students taking courses in English and History. | MS Teams | Wednesday | Feb 16 | 9:30 - 10:20 am |
Streaming Video via the Library This session will explore the STMU Library’s three main streaming services: Theatre in Video, Academic Video on Demand, and NFB Campus. These resources contain materials related to the Natural Sciences, History, English, Indigenous Studies, Drama, and more. | MS Teams | Wednesday | Feb 16 | 11:00 - 11:50 am |
Course-Specific Sessions
Some courses will have one class dedicated to library instruction. These will be arranged by your instructor with the Library. In the event that a course in which you are enrolled has a library instruction session, these will be held in the one of the computer labs in the library. The focus of these sessions will be on course-specific content & materials, with special attention on subject-specific databases.