"I hate the library . . . I can never find anything there." A comment sometimes heard in passing, one student to another, as they walk through the library. That was also a sentiment expressed more often than we liked in last spring's library survey.
With more than 2 million volumes and subscriptions to thousands of periodicals, the General Library should have something for just about everyone who attends UNM. We can't possibly have it all, but we believe that we have the resources to get you started on your research in virtually every field of study at UNM. What we don't own, we do our best to borrow from other libraries.
So, why do many students feel frustrated when using the library resources?
lIs it because they can't find something when they've decided what they want?
lIs it because there is so much available it's hard to figure out where to start?
lIs it reluctance to ask for help?
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After all, they've probably been using a school or public library most of their lives, so how much different could a research library be?
Let's start with simple directions to the resources.
lWe've taken a look at signs in the libraries and are in the process of making them more informative and consistent. Zimmerman Library is the first to revise its signs and will soon have them in place. CSEL, Fine Arts and Parish are also revising their signs.
lEach floor has a new display case near the stairs with a floor map and information about the materials to be found on that level. These display cases even have a suggestion box attached, that we hope you will use.
However, if you don't know how to get started on a research project, the sign you need to follow most is the one to the reference or information desk. While you may have used a library before, if you haven't encountered millions of books, thousands of journals and hundreds of databases, the magnitude can be pretty intimidating. Rest assured, we don't think any question is too "dumb" to be asked. If you have a question, then let us help you answer it.
Each of the libraries has at least one reference or information desk, staffed with librarians who can help get you get started with your research project.
lThese desks are staffed most of the hours the libraries are open.
lAs an alternative you can send your questions to the reference staff via e-mail.
lMost questions can be answered from the reference desk within a few minutes.
lFor help with creating a more comprehensive research strategy, you can make an appointment with a reference librarian or subject specialist.
We also revised our Web site this summer - http://elibrary.unm.edu. We hope you'll find it easier to use. Take a look at the Find Resources by Subject page for a list of pages by discipline. These pages will direct you to the most relevant subscription databases for your subject area, as well as a variety of other recommended web sites and resources. They also provide you with a direct e-mail link to the subject specialist to contact for your more difficult questions.
The bottom line - if you feel you can't find anything in the library, please ask us and we'll do our best to help.
by Susan Magee
Daily Lobo Columnist
Susan Magee is the chairwoman of the UNM General Library's Outreach and Communications Committee.
