Public Services Research and Instruction Department aims to equip students with essential library research skills for academic success and lifelong learning. We offer personalized guidance through reference interactions, course-related instruction, and web-based tutorials. Additionally, we curate information resources to support the university's programs and extend our services to the Wabash Valley, the nation, and beyond, in line with our commitment to public service and community engagement.
Phone: (812) 237.2541 (or 812-237-2580 secondary line)
Email: ask@indstate.libanswers.com
Contact your subject librarian directly to find a mutually convenient time.
Search our Frequently Asked Questions
Distance learning students have direct access to the Reference Desk for help with research-related questions. Please check the ISU Services for Distance Education Students web page for more information.
Individualized instruction is for both ISU-affiliated and community users. Faculty members can refer students for assistance, as needed, or students can contact library instruction services themselves. Individualized instruction is not intended to replace classroom instruction.
Faculty members are encouraged to discuss and work with a Research and Instruction Librarian when creating library-related exercises for their students.
Distance faculty and students can request online instruction sessions, usually utilizing Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Subject librarians as well as the Distance Learning Librarian can provide additional information. Please see more at Distance Learning or see our LibGuide on Distance Education Library Services for specific distance learning services.
An Information Rack can be found near the first-floor computer cluster. Users can pick up an assortment of handouts that offer details about library services and resources. Instructors should not ask entire classes to pick up materials from the Information Rack since the library cannot assure handout availability at all times.
Cunningham Memorial Library offers spaces for instructional classroom teaching. To schedule a class session or an individual instruction, call the Administration Department, (812) 237-2560, Monday thru Friday.
Library Events Area(First Floor of Library)
Library-sponsored or co-sponsored events are held in this area.
This room comes equipped with three presentation screens up front, with digital screens in the back. Wall-to-wall audio, projectors and multiple ways for setting up.
Contact: Megan Shrader, Events Coordinator, or call X2560 for additional information
Room 230
(Second Floor of Library)
Instructional sessions are conducted in this 30-PC room with three large projection screens, a tracking camera, and edge-to-edge audio to complement the academic curriculum, from undergraduate through graduate level. We strongly encourage you to contact us for scheduling your sessions as early as possible since the calendar fills quickly each semester.
Lower Level Classroom
Room 028
(Lower Level of Library)
Instructional sessions and conference breakouts are conducted in this room. It is equipped with a computer, a large projection screen, a tracking camera, a Sympodium cart, DVD/VCR combo, and edge-to-edge audio to complement the academic curriculum, from undergraduate through graduate level. This room seats a maximum of 100 in lecture format or the front section can be 70 chairs in a lecture format with 6 tables and 16 chairs in the back section.
Contact: Megan Shrader, Events Coordinator, or call X2560 for additional information
Room B21
(Located in the Basement of the Library)
Zoom and presentation sessions are conducted in this room by students and employees. This room is equipped with a 4-top table and digital screen with an HDMI connection for connecting laptops. This is a perfect room to practice your presentation skills!
(located on 3rd Floor)
These rooms are used specifically to research or tour our ISU archives, rare books, and manuscripts, as well as the ISU permanent art collection. Requests to use these rooms go through the Library Special Collections Department.
Contact: Katie.Sutrina-haney@indstate.edu, Director of Special Collections, or call X8435 for additional information
Need a webcam, DVD writer, dry-erase markers or other equipment while in the library? Reserve it hourly or daily below!
The Public Services Department caters to the informational and instructional requirements of the Indiana State University community, extending its aid to both students and faculty members in their exploration of library resources for research and curriculum-related inquiries.
Situated on the first floor of the library, the Reference Desk offers assistance through various channels:
Library Research Guides: Research Guides for many topics can be found at our LibGuides.
Search using our Electronic Resources
By telephone at: (812) 237-2541, or for the deaf or hearing impaired: TDD: (812) 237-4450
Via e-mail using our Ask a Librarian Service. You can expect to receive a response within 24 hours, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
Through our chat service during library hours using Reference Live!
