Today's Hours
The ISU Library invites & encourages public school groups to use its facilities and resources. Policies and procedures have been developed to assure a positive learning experience for all. For more information, call (812) 237-2604 (M-F, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm), or e-mail barbara.austin@indstate.edu
| ARRANGING A GROUP VISIT |
Instructions for High School Students {powerpoint presentation on preparing to come to the ISU library} How to arrange an instructional session: Individuals wishing to arrange group/class visits should contact the Library at least 2 weeks in advance to request a visit. All plans for class/group visits to the ISU Library are coordinated through the Library Instruction Scheduler, Reference area, Room 114, first floor of Cunningham Memorial Library; phone: (812) 237-2604; office hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also reach us electronically at baustin3@isugw.indstate.edu. A checklist of information requested will be found below. Most instruction is geared toward the high school student, but requests for instruction to lower grades will be considered. While ISU is a community resource and we wish to publicize its benefits, often elementary students are not conducting research requiring the use of a university library. We do not offer building tours for groups. Group size should be limited to approximately 30 students per visit (max. 40). There should be at least one supervising adult for every 30 middle & high school students (gr. 6-12); two supervising adults for every 30 elementary school students. Keep in mind that the first eight weeks of each academic semester at ISU are heavily scheduled with library instruction sessions; however, every effort will be made to accommodate all requests. In cases of scheduling request conflicts; library instruction for ISU academic groups will take precedence over community group library instruction.
Under normal circumstances, no public school groups should schedule visits during the final two weeks of the semesters due to an increased need for quiet study space for ISU students.
What is included: A visit should have a clear instructional purpose; e.g., students should have topics they are ready to research. A session conducted by Reference/Instruction librarians typically includes location information (services of various library departments), information on organization of library materials (especially Library of Congress Classification), demonstration of the online catalog (LUIS) and online indexes to magazine and journal articles. Internet resources will be covered upon request/as appropriate. Library check-out policies for high school students are distributed and discussed. General handouts have been prepared for many library resources and services and are distributed at the discretion of the instruction librarian based on the needs of the group. Following the lecture/demonstration, students use the Instruction Lab (20 PCs) and look up their resources. The librarian remains to help them as needed. {Students can also use the PCs located throughout the building.} The entire sequence of lecture/demo and lab time typically runs about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Reserving a room: After the instructional session, it may be possible for a room to be reserved for the school group, to leave coats, have a central meeting place to consult with the teacher/librarian, etc. The instruction scheduler will make arrangements if requested. If advance reservations are not made, the rooms may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Large groups holding general conversations in the library proper will be asked to move to a more private location. The Library assumes no responsibility for the security of items left unattended.
| BEFORE COMING TO THE LIBRARY |
Library basics: It is expected that non-ISU students will have received information about basic library organization and resources from their school librarian/teacher. Since ISU instruction librarians will plan their instruction based on this premise, students should be familiar with standard library concepts and resources prior to their visit, for example: how to use Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature; plus an understanding of library classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal) and card catalog, Internet for research purposes . Public schools can access the online catalog prior to their visit by going to http://library.indstate.edu and selecting the Library Catalog (Note: Many library resources under "Databases" are restricted to ISU/on-campus use). Online resources to help you are located at helpdx.html.
Checking out materials (high school groups only): High school students may checkout ISU Library materials. They must first submit a letter requesting borrowing privileges, on their school letterhead, signed by a school official. A sample letter may be requested from the instruction scheduler; a downloadable copy is available here. The teacher/librarian should put the signed letters in alphabetical order by students' last names. These letters may be brought one week in advance to the Instruction Scheduler, Barb Austin, or mailed one week in advance to the Library, (Attention: Barb Austin, ISU Library, Indiana State University, Terre Haute IN 47809) with a note indicating the date of the visit. At the time of the visit, students may obtain their borrower's cards even if they do not check out books. College Challenge status must be indicated on the checkout form. High school students enrolled in the College Challenge program should identify themselves to circulation staff when they pick up their card. Copying materials: Laser printing, photocopies and microfilm copies cost 10¢ per page [cash]. Change machines are available in the building.
| DURING THE VISIT |
Out of consideration for other library users, visiting students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner; i.e., work quietly. The supervising adult(s) accompanying the group must actively assume full responsibility for the behavior of the group. Library staff will also respond to inappropriate behavior.
| AT THE END OF THE VISIT |
It is customary to have students rendezvous in the outer lobby at the end of the visit. If attendance needs to be taken, please keep the noise factor in mind.
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812 237 2604 r class/group name and school affiliation; contact person(s) and phone number(s); r desired date and time of visit and alternate dates and times in the event of a scheduling conflict; r approximate number of students and adults in the group; r purpose of the visit (including any specific topics/subject areas/projects students will be investigating); i.e., what should be emphasized and for what ultimate educational purpose/assignment; r planned length of visit; r if students plan on checking out materials (grades 9-12 only); r r method of travel; if group is traveling by bus, a campus map can be requested from instruction scheduler indicating where the bus should unload; teachers are invited to contact the Office of Public Safety (812-237-5555) for more specific information about bus parking; r eating plans; Campus Commons appreciates notification that large groups are visiting campus; the instruction scheduler will make the contact for your group. if a room is needed following the instructional session (not always available);When you call to schedule an instructional session, be prepared to provide:
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