Research experts help guide students on path to knowledge
In a world suffocating from propaganda and fake news spewed by Russian bots, the Southwestern College library is a sanctuary for truth, accuracy and credibility.
Librarians fight to keep it that way.
Library department chair Naomi Trapp-Davis said the number one goal is to provide a friendly atmosphere for students who want to learn.
“We have so many different services, research tools and we want to make sure students find what they need,” she said. “We want the students to be very comfortable using the library.”
SC’s $17 million library is a leviathan of literature, fortress of facts and citadel of science. Its feel is cozy, but its reach is global.
“We are not just books, we are everything happening in the world, all of the history and research of the world,” Trapp-Davis said. “From the most general type of information, to the most detailed information and the most credible information, you will find it there.”
Photo by: Marissa Romero
Powerful databases are available to students, providing an immense galaxy of information.
“We have electronic resources which are a gold mine for research that many students don’t know about,” she said.
Databases include articles from academic journals, current and historical newspapers, magazines and primary sources such as speeches and international publications.
SC’s library swamps Google, she said. Students can find pay-wall articles with specialized information at no charge at the library. Articles that might cost between $35-$65 are free. She said librarians will help students sift out fake news and bias information.
SC Librarian Monika Chavez agreed.
“It’s not just about having information at the tip of your fingers, it’s also about having that ability to evaluate information,” she said.
Trapp-Davis said the quality of a source is an essential factor when conducting research and SC’s librarians can educate students on effective use of databases. All librarians have at least a Masters degree, she said, and are committed to navigating students through the sea of research tools.
Chavez agreed.
“When students go into university upper division studies it is expected that they understand how academic resources work,” she said. “These skills are applicable through life.”
SC Librarian Svetlana Kondratenko works at the reference desk answering questions and guiding students to the information they need.
“If you don’t know how to start using the library, we will be glad to explain,” she said. “Come to the librarians, stop by the library, send us an email, call us — we are here to help. This is our specialty as librarians, as information professionals.”
Trapp-Davis said the library has more than 150 computers available on the second and third floors, all with open Internet access and every software used in SC classes. Study rooms located at the second and third floors are available for collaborative work. A 24/7 online librarian service is also available. Free tutoring is offered on the third floor with science, math, languages, accounting, business and many other areas.
“Everyone is here because we believe in the mission of the library,” she said. “We love our jobs helping students.”
Business management major Claudia Lozano said she appreciates the library’s environment and services.
“I really enjoy coming here because I can concentrate, do my work calmly and stay focused,” she said. “I really like that they offer services at the front desk and tutoring. Tutors have helped me several times.”
Biology student Josh Gillman said he goes to the library to study and do class work.
“I would recommend coming to the library because it is a very good environment to study, very quiet with a lot of natural light,” he said. “It is a good place to get away from distractions.”
