Reference and Instruction Services

Contact Us: 765-973-2106

The highest priority of the Earlham reference librarians is to support the academic programs of Earlham College, Earlham School of Religion, and Bethany Theological Seminary. We provide instruction and reference in support of the curricula and other information needs of our students, faculty, and staff.

Reference

We offer reference service primarily to Earlham and Bethany students, faculty, and staff by helping with the use of research tools and advising on approaches to research questions. In general, we work with library users to find information and resources, helping them to develop their own research skills as we answer their immediate needs. When the reference source or the search process is going to be unusually complex, and when the librarians have time, we may find information or resources for users in their absence. We welcome users from outside of the college when they have information needs appropriate to our academic library collection.

The Earlham librarians provide reference service consistent with the American Library Association's Code of Professional Ethics.

Instruction

The librarians actively promote course-integrated instruction with the College, Earlham School of Religion, and Bethany Seminary classes. We work with faculty to develop assignments and to make sure that we have appropriate and adequate resources to meet course objectives. Periodically the librarians conduct workshops for faculty on new information resources and research processes.

In our instruction program, librarians work with students and faculty to understand and provide the resources necessary for high-quality student research in all of our disciplinary areas. The program's ultimate goal is to develop liberally-educated students, capable of accessing and using information resources to inform their activities as citizens making a difference in our society. Our instruction program is part of Earlham's General Education program, and shares its goal of preparing students for life-long learning. Individual assignments and instruction are planned in the context of this overall program, providing students with experiences using increasingly sophisticated research tools and processes. Methods of evaluating information resources are also essential skills included in the program.

For each assignment, librarians design effective library instruction and teach students the appropriate research concepts, skills, tools, and means of evaluating resources. The diversity of course assignments creates a wide range of needs, from basic background information to extensive research. Instruction can include class sessions in the library, hands-on experience in the computer labs, work with small groups, individual consultations, and resource lists, both print and electronic, customized for each course.

A call or e-mail to any one of the librarians will put a faculty member in touch with the appropriate librarian.