Pilots Prevent
September 28, 2021
The University of Portland Clark Library offers so many resources, it can be hard to know where to begin, especially for the many students new to campus this year. Fortunately, there’s an Orientation website with information and short videos. It’s a great starting place to figure out how to get help, access materials from books to laptops, find the best places to study, and learn how to print.
Research Needs and Questions
Mid-semester exams, papers, and project deadlines are coming up, and the library wants you to succeed. One of the best ways is by asking a librarian—such as Diane Sotak—any question you have. “Non-judgmental research help is available,” she says, “we’re here to help you, and we’re on your side.” You can simply walk up to the research desk where a librarian or student assistant is ready to help you, but there are other ways to get personalized research assistance. You can schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian in person, over the phone, or through Zoom. Or use the online chat service to ask a librarian questions 24/7. “This semester, we’re meeting with about 130 classes across campus to help students develop their research skills and become more familiar with what the library offers,” says Sotak. “We want to help.”
Check out the subject, topic, and course research guides to get a start on research for your assignments. Even a quick UP Library Search brings up books, journals, articles, and videos that might be relevant to your topic. And the Library offers resources beyond their walls and website. “A lot of students use Google or Google Scholar to find sources,” says Sotak, “and if they ever come across a source that requires paid access, the library can likely get the material for them at no cost through Interlibrary Loan.” If there’s a book you need but it’s not available at UP, you may be able to find it through Summit, a delivery service for books from other libraries across the Northwest. Books requested through Summit arrive within five days. You can request other materials, such as journal articles, through UP ILLiad. These are delivered as a PDF to your UP ILLiad account within three days.
Course Reserves
Professors may choose to make course readings available through the library’s course reserves system. Not all faculty use course reserves, so it might not apply to all classes, but often course readings such as articles, book chapters, and books are available free of charge. Print books on reserve can be checked out for four hours at a time, and e-materials have unlimited access. This can save you money—see what’s available to you online and check back throughout the semester as some professors update their materials.
Study Spaces
With tons of comfy and cozy study spaces available, it’s easy to find and reserve a space for solo or group study sessions. Check out options and instructions on the website—you can even peruse an interactive map in advance if you really want to be strategic! Some study spaces have QR codes that you can scan to reserve if you’re already there.
Beyond the Books
The main floor Service Desk loans out laptops on a first-come, first served basis. Some laptops are for short-term loan (24 hrs), but some are available for semester-long use. Thirteen semester-long laptops were recently added and are available to borrow. Drop by the Service Desk or call 503.943.7111 for more information.
The Digital Lab loans cameras, tripods, and recording equipment for any of your multimedia needs. They even have a small 3D printer! Online support and workshops are available for using the equipment, as well as a range of multimedia software.
Scanning, copying, fax machines, and wireless printing are available in the library. Copies and printing costs .05 per side, and all students start each semester with $10 in their network account.
Know Before You Go
For the time being, access to the Clark Library is by ID card only. Be sure to check the website for hours for the Library and the Digital Lab.
No food or drink, other than water, are allowed in the library at this time.
Please always wear your mask (unless sipping water), even in study rooms.
Did you know staff and faculty have full access to all library resources too? Your ID card is your library card.
Everyone should check out the lovingly curated monthly displays—this month it’s LatinX Heritage Month! Both in the library and online you’ll find books, DVDs, streaming videos and more related to each month’s particular theme.
Clark Library is on Instagram! Follow @upclarklibrary for more helpful information.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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