We are pleased to announce a new service team in the Alkek Library. Our Peer Research Coaching service will be delivered by a specially trained group of library student employees who will help students with foundational research and reference support.
Similar to the subject-specific tutors from The Study and the Writing Center as part of the SLAC services, this service is built around a students-helping-students model. It is a walk-in service that is free, accessible, and lacking the intimidation factors that some students may experience.
This service is a new level of Research Assistance offered by University Libraries. Peer research coaches are not replacements for librarians who provide more in-depth research assistance. Consultations with a librarian will continue to be a mainstay service in the library. However, these coaches will receive specialized training that will enable them to help their fellow students:
- Develop a research topic
- Locate scholarly sources
- Use library databases
- Manage citations
Peer research coaches can be found in Alkek 301, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. When your students are assigned a research project, this service may be the perfect place for them to start.
This article provided by UL Marketing and Communications Coordinator Debbie Pitts.