Wherever You’re Learning, WVU Libraries is There for You

For Dean of Libraries Mark Paris, access is at the heart of what a university library should provide. The goal is to offer helpful resources that are accessible to students wherever they are learning. For WVU’s online students, that means connecting them with the library’s electronic resources, research assistance, and expert librarians, regardless of where they are in the world.

Collections Available to Online Students

“WVU Libraries has a really rich electronic resource collection,” Paris said. “Whether you’re talking about the sciences, humanities or social sciences, we have a strong collection that cuts across all disciplines electronically.

We provide a breadth and depth of resources that students online can take advantage of right away.”

The library works with instructors from all over the university to gain an understanding of what kinds of research and learning are being done in their courses. Once the curriculum-aligned books, journals, or publications are identified, licenses are negotiated and secured to ensure students learning remotely get the same access.

Your Access Isn’t Limited to Digital Materials

“When students search our platform through our website, they’re going to find a variety of print and electronic materials available to them,” Paris explained.

But what if they need access to something that isn’t available digitally but can be found in the physical collection? Well, the library has it covered.

Through the interlibrary loan system, ILLiad, you can have library materials shipped directly to you at no charge. To learn more about this service, check out the library’s online resources page or connect with library staff.

“We really do want to make sure there are as few barriers for students to get what they need as possible,” Paris said. “We’re constantly evaluating our platforms, resources, and the infrastructure we put into place to make sure those barriers are very, very few.”

R1 Research Support, Wherever You Are

Effective researching, especially at an R1 university, is an important skill that takes work to build, which is exactly where WVU’s librarians come in. They’re available to help you with all pieces of the research puzzle, from identifying sources to understanding the literature, all the way to proper citation.

The best part? That help is available from anywhere.

“Students can connect with our librarians for research help over email, a chat function, or video calls,” Paris explained. “You don’t have to come into the building to get immediate help. You can reach out via chat or email, and we’ll connect with you online.”

One of the specific resources that WVU Libraries offers is the “Ask A Librarian” service, which allows students to connect with librarians to get help with a variety of questions. We briefly talked with the Assistant Director of Access Services and Assistant University Librarian, Rae Cornell, to get some insight into what questions students are asking.

“Students reach out about all kinds of things,” Cornell said. “They ask us for help accessing the content in our collections or to navigating some of the logistics of the library. Most often, we’re helping students find and understand articles they need for research projects.”

For example, if students are stuck on a project and aren’t sure how to approach their instructor, the librarians will help them work through the details and develop a plan to work through it.

Workshops for a Variety of Skills

The resources don’t stop at research help or expansive collections of digital materials.

WVU students also have access to several workshops that will help with anything and everything related to writing and researching, from publication help to copyright best practices.

Many of these workshops are created for graduate students, offering instruction and advice for thesis or dissertation work. The submission process can involve several steps, and the library will guide students through each one.

More Than a Place to Find Resources

The library’s role in student success goes beyond providing books, databases and other academic resources. It’s also about helping students feel connected to their university and giving them a place to turn when they need support.

“We play a major role in both the student life and academic aspects of success for our students,” Paris said. “We’re not just about helping a person be able to recite facts from memory. We are about growth and development that are lifelong and career-enhancing.”

That support can be especially important for online students, who may not have the same opportunities to walk into a library and talk with someone face to face. Distance does not mean students have to navigate their academic work alone.

Paris wants students to see the library as a neutral space staffed with people who want to help, no matter what. He explained that in the past, the library setting could be seen as too formal. The process was very rigid; you would walk into a silent library, go up to a desk with a librarian, ask your questions, and have an intricate conversation at a whisper volume.

Some students could be intimidated by library staff and worry they may not sound as smart or as thoughtful as they could be, ultimately deciding to keep their concerns to themselves and not getting the help they need.

Paris aims to create an environment where no one feels that hesitation.

“We’re not here to pass judgment. Come to us with your question. Regardless of where you’re at on a topic, we’re going to help you get to the next level. There’s no wrong question to ask.”

Looking Ahead

WVU is welcoming in a new era of innovation. Part of the WVU Strategic Compass is earning membership into the Association of American Universities. This organization comprises top research universities in the country dedicated to interdisciplinary breakthroughs that improve lives.

“I think students value that kind of interdisciplinary work because it’s boundary-breaking,” Paris said. “We’re trying to take those disciplinary limits away and open up a lot of room for creativity. I see the libraries really pushing in that direction.”

Keep up to date on the exciting new developments and explore WVU Libraries’ resources to find the support available to you, wherever you’re learning.