Q: Can I bring my class to the library?

A. We welcome all members of the Emerson community to the library. Certain times are much busier than others, and there may be limited available space (lower density times tend to be earlier in the morning and later in the week). Faculty can book a study room via Spacebook. 

Faculty can also collaborate with their School Librarian to discuss options for integrating research instruction. 

If you plan to bring your class to the library, we kindly ask that you email library@emerson.edu a few days prior to your visit with information about when you plan to come to the library, how many students will be visiting, and if you will be pulling materials (especially for multiple class sections). This allows us to make sure the service desk is properly staffed for increased traffic and that materials can be held or reshelved in a timely manner for any in-library assignments.

Q. Can you give my students a library tour or basic orientation to the library?

A. Research shows that passive library instruction techniques like tours, general orientations, and even scavenger hunts are ineffective when compared to assignment-based active learning. Additionally, all Emerson students come to the library as part of their CC100 Speech Communication course during their first year. Faculty and librarians designed a workshop to teach basic library skills in conjunction with a research assignment; we find this method to be much more effective than a tour or context-less orientation. If you teach first year students, particularly in the Fall, they may not have met us yet; however they will!

Q. Can I reserve the library classroom or another library space for my class?

A. The library classroom is only reservable via collaboration with your School Librarian for research skills instruction.

When not in use for library instruction, the library classroom serves a critical function as an open computer lab space for the entire Emerson community. Statistics from IT show that library lab spaces have the highest use of all labs on campus. We support students without computers, students assigned to triples in dorms, and commuters as part of the over 5,000 students attending Emerson and seeking study space in the library.  We have seating on the 3rd floor for around 250 people and have at least double that number in visitors per day and over 14,000 visitors per month.

Given our existing footprint, we reserve spaces only for library, archives, and special collections instruction in order to maximize space for all our patrons.

Q. What’s the best way to get library materials (books, journals, films, etc.) pulled together for my students?

A. If you have a list of books or other materials you would like pulled in advance for your class visit, feel free to email library@emerson.edu. If you need help determining a list of books, please schedule an appointment with us or email us at reference@emerson.edu to start collaborating. 

Q. Can a teaching librarian come to my class and give a workshop tomorrow?

A. Our librarians need time to collaborate with you and to plan lessons tailored to your classes’ needs. We ask for a minimum of two weeks' notice to work with faculty to best determine methods of delivering information literacy instruction to your students. Reach out to your School Librarian to set up a consultation.

Q. How can I work with a librarian to integrate research skills into my course?

A. We would be happy to help you! Simply reach out to your School Librarian to start collaborating. Not sure who your School Librarian is? Email us at reference@emerson.edu and we'll be in touch.

Q. Why don’t the teaching librarians hold classes for the first two weeks of the semester?

A. During the add/drop period, students are still deciding on their classes and getting to know you; we don’t want to interfere with that process. Also, our library sessions are always tied to an assignment. We find that the best time for the library session is within two weeks of a research-based due-date.