Library Overview for Tutors: Role of the Library Faculty

Faculty librarians at the Research Help Desk teach research skills and assist with research.

• There is a lot more to research than finding an article in a database, so please refer students to us first.
• Just like you refer students to us for research issues, we also refer back to tutors for help with writing issues.
• Faculty librarians are generally scheduled at the Research Help Desk for all the hours the Downey Center is open.
• We can help answer research questions in several ways:
  • in-person
  • library chat
    • we also launch Zoom from the chat
  • phone Merced: (209) 384-6083
  • phone Los Baños: (209) 381-6434
  • text: (209) 666-3235
  • email: refdesk@mccd.edu 
• While we aren't tech support, we can also help with basic computer, printing/copying, and WiFi questions if the Technology Support Desk technician is helping others.

We also teach classes and create learning content for courses, teach LRNR 30, develop research and citation guides, offer standalone workshops, and make purchasing decisions for the library's print and online collections.

• In some online classes, your instructors may have you complete Canvas modules and/or tutorials we have created for classes.
• If you're taking an in-person class, you might come to the library for a research class, but we also sometimes go to your classroom.
• We have developed research guides for different subjects and citation styles.
• We also t each LRNR 30 Information Concepts & Research Skills, a 3-unit class.