LIBRARY INSTRUCTION

Distance Services | Information Literacy | Library Workshops | Research Instruction Survey 
 Schedule a Class | Tours | Library Instruction Reports

The Reference and Information Services Department (at the John B. Coleman Library) and Library Distance Services (at the Northwest Houston Campus) provide Library Instruction for Faculty and Students in all academic disciplines, subject areas, and all formats. Instructional Services are available in classroom settings or in the library on an individual or group basis.

In fulfilling the missions of the University, the Library, and the Department, Reference and Information Services and Library Distance Services function as an integral part of the learning process, and are here to partner with you to that end. As mentioned above, we are available to speak to your classes as a whole (usually providing hands-on instruction on how to use our online services), lead tours of the John B. Coleman Library and the sometimes overlooked treasures within our walls, work with you individually on searching databases, provide research assistance for your projects, and more. You can always stop by the Reference Desk, or drop by our offices for consultation. We are also available by telephone (936) 261-1535 or by email askalibrarian@pvamu.edu.

Instruction, Reference and Information Services Q&A 

Who works in the Reference and Information Services Department?

 Who works in the Library Distance Services Department?

Elizabeth Jean Brumfield (Distance Services Librarian)
(713) 790-7282 (Northwest Houston Campus)
(936) 261-1509 (Main campus)
ejbrumfield@pvamu.edu

Subject Liaison: Distance Services
Instruction Focus: Career Counseling and Development, Cultural Diversity, Education, Humanities 

Who works in the Library Distance Services Department?

Elizabeth Jean Brumfield (Distance Services Librarian)
(713) 790-7282 (Northwest Houston Campus)
(936) 261-1509 (Main campus)
ejbrumfield@pvamu.edu

Subject Liaison: Distance Services
Instruction Focus: Career Counseling and Development, Cultural Diversity, Education, Humanities 

How are Distance Library Services related to Other Support Services?

Distance Library Services are offered in collaboration with the Reference and Information Services Department and the Distance Learning Council, to work specifically with satellite campuses and Distance Education students and faculty. Research instruction workshops and other library services are presented in accordance with the main library's mission and policies. Students and faculty receive comparable services through online tutorials and hands-on instruction at several of Prairie View's satellite facilities. Please contact the Distance Services Librarian at (713) 790-7282 or at ejbrumfield@pvamu.edu.

 What can the Reference and Information Services Department do for me as an Instructor?

The Reference and Information Services Department sees itself as an integral part of the learning process, and is here to partner with you to that end. We are available to speak to your classes as a whole (usually providing hands-on instruction on how to use our online services), lead tours of the John B. Coleman Library and the sometimes overlooked treasures within our walls, work with you individually on searching databases, provide research assistance for your projects, and more. You can always stop by the Reference Desk, or drop by our offices for consultation. We are also available through telephone (936) 261-1535 or email (askalibrarian@pvamu.edu).

 Can I get a Librarian to speak to my classes?

Who should I contact? What information should I provide?

To streamline and facilitate the process, Juanita Walker is the acting coordinator and liaison for all instruction on the main campus, and Jean Brumfield coordinates instruction for Distance Services. Feel free to contact either of them by phone or email.

We generally need your name and contact information, course and section number and short title, and the number of students enrolled in this section. Beyond that, we can discuss the specific content of the presentation.

Where does the instruction take place?

Great question! We are fortunate enough to have several options. We work well with the Office of Distance Learning and can sometimes schedule classes in the New Science Building, which seats about 40. We sometimes use labs in the Delco Building as well. While it might not provide hands-on instruction, we can come to your classroom- we have a laptop and data projector, and are 5 extremely mobile librarians. Have information, will travel! There are online tutorials that are in the production phase for Distance Education students, as well.

I have to leave for a conference; can I request a Research Instruction session at the last minute?

Although emergency sessions do arise (especially around exams), we’d prefer you did not do this; we need a few days if possible to prepare for a session that really benefits your students. We find that students get more out of the class if you are there as well; you provide wonderful last minute insight that is invaluable.

What would the librarians talk to my students about?

Anything you need! We have basic 50-minute classes on finding books and articles, but can create presentations suited to your class. We can teach citation methods, Internet evaluation, research methodology, finding government information, etc. Our staff is expert at building sessions around a specific project you have; this is why we love working closely with you.

Can I choose the content?

We hope you do! If we present information outside of the needs your students have, this benefits no one.

My students are having a hard time finding appropriate sources; everything they use is from the Internet. Can you help?

Students often need help in this area, and our staff is especially trained to effectively assist them. Not being able to understand the difference between the Internet and a database feeds this, and we are able to help them see this distinction, as well as successfully navigate the Internet.

Can I meet with a member of the Reference and Information Services Department one-on-one?

Sure! Our offices are always open to you, and we can come to your office if you’d prefer. Everything that we cover during a Research Instruction session can be covered individually.

Can the Reference and Information Services Department help me with my research?

Reference Librarians are expert at ferreting information from hidden sources, and tracking down citations. Need help starting to find research for that paper or conference? This is where we come in. Short-term or immediate research need? Call us! (936)261-1535. Long-term research project? We’re here when you need us! 

Can I have a tour of the Library for my students?

Yes; we can arrange for tours for your class of the Library facilities. Tours include the Reference area, explanation of Circulation policies, the ‘stacks’ location of all the books, and time and space permitting, the 4th Floor Space and Special Collections / Archives Department. We also welcome elementary-age schoolchildren as well.