Research Services Policy
As an integral component of the University’s educational mission, the primary role of the University Library is to teach effective research and information literacy skills, as reflected by the Library’s Student Learning Outcomes:
- Identify library services for study, research, and collaboration
- Differentiate and employ various research tools and methods to address complex research questions
- Develop and refine search strategies within appropriate information retrieval systems to find meaningful results
- Make deliberate and informed choices about when and how to use information
- Recognize the academic, legal, economic, and social factors in the production, access, and use of information
Research Services works in tandem with the library’s instruction program to provide one on one or small group assistance to students, faculty, staff and community members to support them in their research needs and goals.
General Research Services
In-Person
Research assistance is provided at the Research Help Desk on the 2nd floor of the library all hours the library is open. This desk is staffed by library faculty and staff, and by library student assistants who are trained to refer research questions to librarians. CSU-Pueblo students, faculty, and staff will be given preferential service in cases when there are multiple people needing assistance. Librarians act as subject area liaisons, with special expertise in their areas, and may therefore refer you to another librarian. If the librarian on duty feels that a question may require more in-depth assistance, you may be encouraged to schedule a consultation at a mutually convenient time.
Consultations
One on one meetings can be scheduled in advance for ½ hour or longer sessions, depending on your research needs by contacting your subject librarian. The librarian will work with you to determine the most useful starting points, help you refine your research question, and may show you useful tools such as search alerts and citation managers to help manage your research. Please bring your assignment or requirements.
Chat, text, and email
Librarians staff these services all hours the library is open, and provide real time responses to a wide range of questions. As outlined above, you may be referred to the appropriate subject librarian or encouraged to schedule a consultation, as needed. Chat, e-mail, and text contact information are available throughout the library’s website.
Chat
Multiple librarians provide research assistance via chat during campus business hours. During weeknights and weekends, chat service may be temporarily unavailable for short time periods while the librarian assists others. When the library is closed, you will have the option to submit your question via email.
Text
The library's text messaging number is 719.425.4045, with the same access and referral conditions as outlined above.
During times when chat is offline, you have the opportunity to provide your e-mail address and your question will be routed to the e-mail service.
Telephone
Research assistance is available at 719.549.2333 all hours the library is open. If a question cannot be answered within 5 minutes, we will take a telephone number and return the call as soon as an answer can be found.
Reference collection
The reference collection supports all disciplines and consists of print and electronic titles. The print collection is on the 2nd floor, and individual titles may be checked out for a 3-day period with the approval of the Director of Education, Research & Outreach Services (EROS). Suggestions for purchase for this collection can also be submitted to the EROS Director.
Specialized Research Services
Workshops
Librarians offer workshops on research skills, new resources, and scholarly communication tools on a regular basis, as well as specific workshops on request.
In depth research services
Librarians are available to help verify citations, assist in obtaining rare materials, and assist with involved research questions requiring specialized databases and/or extended resources.
Faculty/Staff literature reviews
Librarians are available to do literature reviews in support of faculty and staff research. Contact your liaison librarian or the Director of EROS to schedule an appointment.
Scholarly communications/publishing support
Librarians can assist researchers in ensuring the long-term impact and accessibility of their research. Librarians can provide guidance on managing research data, selecting a publisher, negotiating contracts, and complying with funder requirements, by recommending appropriate tools or platforms that meet the researcher’s needs.
Archives research services
The University Archives holds unique collections of primary sources relating to ethnic heritage and diversity in Southern Colorado as well as to the history of the university. The Archivist is available to assist researchers to locate and use relevant primary sources in the CSU-Pueblo Archives, as well as materials held by other institutions and online. The Archivist also works with faculty to integrate archival materials in the curriculum and is available to provide classroom instruction. One on one consultations are also provided on request.
Departmental Liaison Services
Course support
In conjunction with the library’s instruction program, librarians create general subject area as well as course specific research guides tailored to assignments and curricular needs. These guides are integrated into the campus learning management semester by semester to provide relevant support within the course site. Librarians are available to identify relevant library materials for course use, reserve, or integration into the learning management system, and to create tutorials for using library resources.
Collection development
Librarians regularly solicit recommendations for the purchase of new materials to support the curriculum and research needs of their respective liaison departments.
Program accreditation
Librarians are prepared to compile reports in support of program review and accreditation requirements. Please give your liaison librarian notice of your accrediting agency’s requirements once you have received them, in order to allow adequate time to compile the requested information.
Approved 7/2018 SH/RG
