Services for Faculty

Library Instruction and Information Literacy

The ability to find, evaluate and use information is an important student learning outcome. Instructors are encouraged to create class assignments that help students master these skills. We invite you to collaborate with us in this effort.

Library instruction is available for your classes either in the library or in classrooms where instructional media is available. Schedule an instruction session as close as possible to an assignment's desired start date, and give the librarians a week advanced notice for updating instructional materials.
Members of the Library staff create online instruction guides called Help Guides, for specific courses, course assignments and "how to" guides for frequently asked questions. If you would like to suggest a Help Guide for your course or assignment, please call Samantha Smith (409) 882-3083 (ext. 3083).
To schedule class instruction use our form Instruction Request Form or call Samantha Smith.
For research help within the library, direct your students to visit the Circulation Desk on the first floor, which is staffed by librarians throughout our operating hours. Students can also book an appointment with a librarian for in-depth one on one assistance.
For distance students, assistance is available by phone at (409)882-3352, by emailing LSCOLibrary@lsco.edu, by using the 'Chat with a librarian' on the library home page, and through the "Ask a Question" form located on the Library home page under Research Help. Students can also book an appointment to meet a librarian virtually for in-depth one on one assistance.

Inter-library Loan (ILL)

Borrow library materials not available at the Ron E. Lewis Library, through the Library's Inter-library Loan service (ILL).
The service is usually free, unless a source library charges a fee. We make every effort to avoid costs, and we notify users before any fees are charged.
To make an ILL request, use our form: "Interlibrary Loan Form."

Reserves

A collection of special use material is maintained in the reserve office on first floor.
Faculty are encouraged to request their course text books or other special reading or media materials for the reserve collection.
Request reserve status for specific Library-owned materials ahead of any class assignment that will require high usage of specific items during a limited time period.
Materials from your personal collection may also be placed on reserve.
To request a textbook to be place on reserve you may submit the following form: Textbook Reserve Form. You may also mail/e-mail these materials and requests to Aubrey Kapranos or call Aubrey at (409) 882-3953 (ext. 3953). Include any special instructions for their use, such as check-out time limits.
Copyright law requires that reserve materials be reviewed and updated annually.

Computers, Printers, and Scanners

The Library provides up-to-date computers equipped with current MS Office software and other software for specific courses.
All computers are networked to a printer.
Library printers are black and white only.
A scanner is available at a dedicated computer in the front lab of the library on first floor.

Distance Learning and Blackboard

Links to specific journal articles or media within databases: Persistent links (non-changing URLs) need their URLs edited to incorporate the campus authentication server (called ezproxy) for off-campus access. If you need help creating one of these links for your Blackboard course, please contact Sam Smith (409) 882-3083 (ext. 3083).
Add special library content within your courses: A librarian with "teaching assistant" status can work with an instructor to create special library content for your course. If you are interested, contact Sam Smith (409) 882-3083 (ext. 3083).
Sending print materials to distant students: If a distant student is unable to pick up materials in person, we can send materials to them. Please contact the library to make arrangements for shipping or delivery.

Collection Development

Faculty are strongly encouraged to assist the library in the selection and deselection of materials for their subject specialty. Please view the library's Collection Development Policy for help understanding how me make collection decisions and to view the schedule of when we intend to focus on particular programs. Requests for new library materials are welcome at any time and may be made online by using this form: New Materials Form. Contact Aubrey Kapranos or call (409) 882-3953 (ext. 3953) with any questions about library materials you may need.

Feedback

Please use our Comments and Suggestions Form or call Sam Smith, (409) 882-3083 with your ideas, suggestions, and comments. The entire staff looks forward to meeting you and providing services to you.

Next Steps

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