Upper School Library: Fac/Staff Guide to the US Library

Catlin Gabel Faculty & Staff Guide to the US Library, 2023-2024
We provide research databases, books, instruction, research support, and of course, study and work space.

Our Mission
The Upper School Library enriches the curriculum, teaches practical, lifelong research skills, collaborates with teachers, and actively promotes reading for pleasure and information beyond the boundaries of the classroom. 

The Library Environment
Our US Library is an active, busy, heavily utilized library space that serves 300+ students and 200+ adults.  There is a quiet study area, and a group study area, where students are encouraged to work collaboratively. 

How We Can Help You

• We can buy books and other materials you and your students need for teaching and research.
• We're glad to support upcoming assignments that involve research. 
• Sue can meet with you and teach / co-teach a class on research skills using academic databases or search engines.
• Sue can build a LibGuide course page to provide research starting points for your students.
• We can set up a reserve shelf for books your students need to use for an assignment.

As your department’s curriculum changes, let Sue know.  She'll help build the collection to cover your needs.  She actively solicits your suggestions for specific titles and general subject areas for acquisitions.

Borrowing Privacy
Borrowers' privacy is important to us.  We do not share information about what any student or adult asks, reads, or utilizes.  Materials placed on reserve for a class, and equipment, are exceptions to this rule.

Finding Things
We use LibGuides as our primary pages for all US Library resources. Ask if you need help.

Borrowing Books & DVDs

• Bring items you want to check out to Derek or Sue in the library, and we'll check them out for you. After hours, you can use our self-service clipboard on the front desk of the library. 
• Check our catalog for all titles, and their availability and location. The link is on the upper left of this page.
• Books check out for 1 month to students, and may be renewed. Faculty may check out books for longer periods of time.
• Please bring back materials when you are finished using them.  We like to keep things circulating!

Instruction
Sue collaborates with colleagues to teach research skills to students in everything from Foundations to Jr. English to Science Research classes.  While our teens are quick with technology, they lack practical research skills. Tired of always seeing the same three website links on that assignment?  Sue can help introduce your students to better options.  Experience & research demonstrate that most students at this age know very little about research beyond looking up books in a library catalog and conducting rather basic Google searches.  There is plenty of room for improvement.

Books on Reserve
Do you need your students to share access to a group of titles?  We'll gladly create a course reserve shelf in the Manuscript Room. With a few days’ notice, we can set up a shelf with your course materials on hand for students to browse, scan, and use during their free periods.  Typically, reserve shelf items check out in the library only, and overnight/over the weekend.  Let us know what you need!

Helping Students Cite Correctly
The US Library’s web page offers a number of links that provide clear, concise help in citing sources using MLA and Chicago style.  Students often use the EasyWriter book for citation examples.

Newspapers
You and your students can access a free New York Times online account through our educational pass subscription. We also have newspaper databases that provide excellent coverage of regional and international news.   

Periodicals
We subscribe to few print journals, but have electronic access (via EbscoHost, JSTOR, and Gale databases) to full-text articles from over 25,000 periodicals.

DVDs
All DVDs are listed in the online catalog, and check out for 7 days to students, and for longer periods to faculty.  DVD discs (not cases) are kept in a locked cabinet at the desk to prevent loss.  If you use these materials in your teaching, please be sure to reserve them in advance so we’ll have them ready and checked in for your use.

Databases
We provide database subscriptions to JSTOR, Modern World History Online, a number of EbscoHost and Gale databases, and The NY Times Online.  We link to additional MultCoLib databases that may be useful for research.  We’re glad to help you and your students select the right ones to meet your research needs.  Note:  We have electronic access to over 25,000 journal titles.

Reserve a Room
The Situation Room is the only reservable study room in the library.  It features a large, heavy wooden seminar table, and can seat up to 8 people in reasonable comfort.  The room is not soundproof.  Click HERE to schedule this room for short blocks of time.  Please plan ahead, as this room is in constant demand and use by students.

Testing
You may leave blank or incomplete tests with us at the library front desk for students to complete. Please use your judgment in choosing whether these conditions are appropriate for individual students.  For proctored testing, the Learning Center is the first stop. Please check first with Jeffrey, and if he is unable to schedule with you, please reach out to us. 

Questions?
Please contact Sue @ phillipss@catlin.edu, Derek @ kingde@catlin.edu, or stop by.