Reference & Instruction

Want to learn how to use an online database? Need a book? Not sure how to get started with your research? Our friendly and knowledgeable Reference librarians are eager to help you find what you need to succeed at HPU. Don't be shy, that's why we're here!

Reference & Research

Reference librarians are here to help you with all of your academic work. We can:

provide information about the Libraries and our services
answer general reference questions, as well as in-depth research assistance
assist students in locating resources for class assignments and research projects
provide guidance in using online and print resources
offer suggestions for research topics

Library Instruction

Instruction in basic library skills and presentations on more sophisticated search strategies are provided by reference librarians. Sessions are conducted in the classroom. Instruction is tailored to the course's content and level. If you would like to schedule an instruction session, you may do so by using the form below.

Request Library Instruction

RESEARCH GUIDES

The University Library and Learning Commons' Research Guides, developed by our University librarians, assist students with their research. The types of guides available include listings of information sources in the University Library and Learning Commons on a particular topic, instructions on how to use particular reference sources, helpful search strategies for specific topics, as well as traditional bibliographies.

LIBRARY-RELATED ASSIGNMENTS

It is recommended and very much appreciated that when faculty plan a library-related assignment they notify the libraries' Reference Services Unit before the assignment is given to students.

A copy of any library-related assignment is requested, which will aid reference librarians in assisting students. Sufficient lead-time will assist librarians in securing available and appropriate materials, as necessary.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

The HPU Library and Learning Commons work towards ensuring that its collections adequately support the University's curriculum. Both faculty and librarians work together in the collection development process.

The University's librarians work with curriculum development groups, task forces, academic division committees, and instructors developing new courses and programs in the collection development process in the following ways:

Assisting a faculty member, group, committee, task force, etc. in assessing the present state of the collection in a particular subject area.
Providing faculty with news about recent acquisitions at academic division faculty meetings or subject area faculty meetings (when invited), or through other means of communication.
Serving as representatives to the two major curriculum committees of the Faculty Assembly -- Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and Graduate Curriculum Committee.
Being responsible, as librarian subject specialists, for the addition of materials in assigned subject areas.

Request a Collection Report