Reference/Instructional Services at the Emerson Library (Webster U.)

About Our Instructional Services

In this fast-changing world, guidance from faculty and librarians is essential if students are going to develop the ability to find and critically evaluate the information flowing from the myriad of print, multimedia, and online sources. The librarians at the Emerson Library work closely with Webster faculty in the St. Louis area and any of the extended campuses to integrate search, retrieval, and evaluative techniques with the course content and objectives. From Freshman Seminar to graduate-level courses, the librarians can provide instructional support to students doing anything from skill-building assignments to extensive literature reviews.

Class Visits (St. Louis area)

To schedule a session, contact the Reference Department at (314) 968-6950. We recommend that faculty contact a reference librarian when you are putting together your syllabus so that we get you on our schedule early. Advance notice is vital. We require a minimum of one week's notice for any instructional sessions. Extensive or customized instructional materials may require at least two weeks notice or more, depending on the extent of the project.

For home campus classes, librarians typically give instructional sessions in the Electronic Classroom of the library. This room includes 24 computers used for hands-on instruction. Instruction can also be offered in classrooms equipped with a projector and Internet hookup elsewhere on the main campus or at our St. Louis area campuses.

Individual Appointments

Individuals wishing to consult with a reference librarian on a research project may stop by the reference department or call a reference librarian at (314) 968-6950. Although not required, we recommend appointments in advance for lengthy consultations (15 minutes or longer) or if you want to work with a particular reference librarian. The Reference Department's hours vary during the school year; check our Library Hours page for more information.

Email Reference

Webster students, faculty, and staff may also use our electronic reference service called Ask a Librarian to submit questions requiring brief facts, statistics, addresses, etc. and to seek advice on resources to consult for your project or paper. Our goal is 24-hour turnaround time Monday through Friday (excluding holidays and other school closings). For more urgent requests, contact the Reference Department at (314) 968-6950 (toll-free 800-985-4279).

Workshops

Workshops are available to interested groups of faculty, students, and staff. Workshops can vary in length, although we recommend 1 -2 hours as an optimum duration. Suggested workshop topics include the Internet, online/full-text databases, and searching techniques. We can work with a department or campus group to design the content to meet their needs. We require two weeks notice for scheduling any workshops.

Tours

Tours are available to campus groups and classes that desire an orientation to the physical facility. They typically last about 15 minutes and cover the major areas of the library. Most classes will need a followup, in-class session on research strategies and how to use our electronic resources. We require a minimum of one week's notice for scheduling any tours.

Extended Campus Instruction and Services

Students and faculty at Webster extended campuses may also use many of the instructional services listed here, including:

Ask a Librarian

An electronic reference service for submitting questions requiring brief facts, statistics, addresses, etc. and seeking advice on resources to consult for projects or papers. For more urgent requests, contact the Reference Department at (314) 968-6950 (toll-free 800-985-4279).

Library Training at the Extended Campus

Visits to the extended campus for onsite training may be available under special circumstances. Contact Ellen Eliceiri at (314) 968-6951 ( 800-985-4279) or via email at eliceiri@webster.edu

For more information about the services available to the extended campuses, visit the following pages:

• International campuses
• U.S. campuses (non St. Louis)
• St. Louis campuses
• Online programs

Electronic Tutorials and Resources

Faculty Resources

This page links faculty to selected Internet resources which discuss how to integrate technology into the classroom. Included are examples of syllabi, assignments, sites on course design, electronic periodicals on technology in higher education, etc.

Research Guides

This section offers a number of instructional materials. An online tutorial includes brief modules on various aspects of doing research and using electronic sources. Users can choose the areas in which they desire more information and complete the corresponding module in 10-15 minutes. These modules can be assigned as homework or recommended to students who need to review certain concepts. Our "Doing Research in..." series covers resources and procedures in various subject areas, such as Business, Education, and Counseling.

Passports Skills Video Series

The series offers a number of brief, automated demonstrations that illustrate how to use various features in Passports. Descriptions, running times, equipment requirements, etc. are provided.

Visits by Outside Groups

Contact Ellen Eliceiri at (314) 968-6951 if your group is interested in visiting the library. Brief tours are available with advance notice.

Reference Staff

Ellen Eliceiri, M.A.L.S., M.A., M.A.

Head of Reference Desk Support/Curator of Special Collections

(314) 968-6951
eliceiri@webster.edu

Jodie Borgerding, M.A.L.S.

(314) 246-7819
jborgerding80@webster.edu

Mary Anne Erwin, M.A.L.S.

(314) 246-7841
maerwin@webster.edu

Kathy Gaynor, M.A.L.S., M.Ed.

(314) 246-7811
kgaynor@webster.edu

Sue Gold, M.A.L.S.

(314) 246-7812
sgold@webster.edu

Holly Hubenschmidt, M.A.L.S.

(314) 246-8673
hollyh@webster.edu

For More Information

Head of Reference Desk Support/Curator of Special Collections

(314) 968-6951

Reference Department

(314) 968-6950