Research Fellows Program

About the program

In order to support its commitment to lifelong learning, Webster University Library is pleased to offer the Research Fellows Program. Begun in 1999, the program provides "main-campus" library resources and services to Research Fellows of Webster University worldwide. Please read the following information to learn more about the resources and services available to participants in the program.

Available resources available through the program

Through our Web site, we are able to provide access to resources not freely available elsewhere on the Internet. Resources include:

• 100+ leased databases: many of which provide substantial amounts of full-text
• Full-Text sources: thousands of full-text sources covering numerous subject fields
• Full-text reference works: such as online encyclopedias and information from various directories and factual sources
• Statistical compendiums: such as Stat-USA, which provides access to current economic analysis and trade information in the National Trade Data Bank
• Investment reports and financial data on U.S. and international companies.
• Records on more than 39 million books and other materials owned by over 25,000 libraries worldwide

A complete list of the databases accessible through our Web site is provided on our Online/Full-text Databases page. See the Alphabetical List of Databases page for descriptions of the individual databases.

Training and support

The Library staff has created an online training program for users new to our Web site and the Internet. Our Research guides provide access to several concise tutorials as well as faculty resources and customizing software for the classroom. In addition, our Computing help page connects you to important information concerning software needed for Internet use, tip sheets on searching our databases, etc.

Additional Web site features

Since the Internet is unmediated, the quality of the resources varies widely. In the same way that librarians select books and journals for the library, additional Internet resources are selected and evaluated by the library's subject specialists. Arranged in subject lists, you will find a list of our electronic bibliographies on our Web sites and Search Engines page.

Students and faculty using these lists will find resources that are authoritative and timely. Those who wish to do a more comprehensive search of the Internet may use one of the many search engines and directores that are linked on our Internet Search Engines and Directories page.

Library services available through the program

Through our Web site, we are able to offer various services to support your research needs. The following are provided free of charge to participants in the program:

• Access to the Eden-Webster Library System's online catalog of over 268,000 volumes. Search the catalog to find books, journals, and media materials owned by the library.
• Document Delivery of journals and books (up to 25 per month) owned by the library system to home or office. Journal articles are posted to a secure site on our web server and notification is sent by e-mail. Books are delivered via UPS. All document delivery, including return shipping, is free of charge.
• Ask a Librarian, a service providing professional reference assistance with research questions, answers requiring brief facts, statistics, addresses, etc. and advice on database selection and resources to consult for your project. Responses provided within 24 hours Monday through Friday.

Please note that services are subject to certain conditions and schedule changes may occur at various times of the academic year. For more details, see the information for the Ask a Librarian and Document Delivery services.

Use restrictions

The educational licences of the Library's database vendors restrict usage of their databases to current Webster faculty, staff, and students (including Research Fellows). Use of these databases is restricted for your own personal use. Your personal University ID may not be shared with others. This institution reserves the right to revoke Research Fellow privileges and refund the pro-rated fee if, in its judgment, compliance is not met.

Many alumni may not need the extended resources and services offered through the Research Fellows Program. If you want to borrow books from the System libraries, a library card is available. See our Alumni services page for more information.

The databases offered through our Web site are available to alumni who visit the Library. A reference librarian may need to log you into some of the resources that require an identification code. For alumni who need remote access to limited database resources, you may want to consider an individual subscription to HighBeam Research (http://www.highbeam.com/library/index.asp). Another possible resource is Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com/). In addition, check with your local public library to see if it offers online database access to qualified residents.

Application procedures for the Research Fellows Program

Request an application form at the 2nd floor Reference Desk, call 314-968-6950 or toll free: 1-800-985-4279
or complete the online form.

Renewal

Renewal notices will be sent out a month before your membership expires.

Contacts:

Librarian contact:

Ellen Eliceiri, Head of Reference Desk Support/Curator of Special Collections
Phone: 314-968-6950 or toll free: 1-800-985-4279
e-mail eliceiri@webster.edu

Technical problems:

Contact Rick Kaeser at 314-968-5994 or toll free: 1‑800‑985‑4279 or via e-mail at docdel@webster.edu.