Tennessee Tech University

About Reference & Information Services

The Reference and Information Services Department assists library users in their search for information and supports users in developing information literacy. Services include:

• Reference Librarians are available at the Information Desk to provide individualized assistance and instruction during their search for information.
• Library Instruction and Tours
• Research Guides

The Information Desk is located on the second floor, just inside the front entrance.

Library Instruction and Tours

The Reference and Information Services librarians provide library instruction and tours to classes and other groups. These programs are tailored to the specific needs of the group, whether it is graduate level researchers, high school students on a field trip, or community supporters who simply want to learn more about our Library. For more information or to schedule a class or tour, dial 931-372-6108 or speak with a librarian at the Information Desk.

Reference Collection Development

The Reference and Information Services Librarians have primary responsibility for developing the Library's reference collection, which includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, directories, handbooks, atlases, statistical compilations, biographies, and periodical indexes which answer many of the questions our researchers face.

The Library's reference materials come in book, microform and electronic format. When a user asks a question at the Reference and Information Desk, we often use this collection to provide an answer. If you have a research question, come on in and ask us. If you want to suggest a research tool which you think would be helpful in the collection, let us know.

Liaison Activities with University Faculty

The Reference and Information Services Librarians work with classroom faculty to support their educational goals and deliver the best possible service to Tech students. We may discuss issues like:

• Research tools available for a specific assignment.
• A specific subject area of the reference collection which needs to be strengthened.
• The goal of a classroom assignment and the ways in which reference librarians can support it at the Information Desk.
• A request for librarian instruction for a class.
• The availability of an online tool for classroom assignments.

We welcome calls and e-mail messages from faculty. Let us know how we can work together to improve services to our students.

Academic Liaisons