Killam Library Services, Resources Evolving to Meet Needs of Students

Texas A&M International University's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library is always looking for new tools that facilitate research by University students and professors.

Rodney Webb, director of Killam Library, explained that the Library has seen significant improvements recently.

"There are more than 200 subscription databases available through the Library, which can be accessed by the University community, both here on campus and at home, via our proxy server," Webb said, "In addition, we're working on facilitating simultaneous searching of multiple databases."

In addition, Webb said more than 12,000 electronic books had been added to the catalog, and online interlibrary loan request forms were in development.

He explained that an additional wealth of information is available through government sources.

"Chris Miller, government information librarian, plans on offering workshops in the Spring 2004 semester to help library patrons get the most out of these resources. In the past, the library has offered workshops researching and utilizing Census 2000 data as well as introducing a sophisticated mapping software, available at the Library for anyone to use, which can convert data in to full-color, 3 x 3-foot maps," Webb said.

Webb said the Library is working to ensure that students understand and feel comfortable using it.

"We've scheduled a spot in the student orientation program to help acquaint students with Killam Library. The most important thing for students to know about the Library is that there are people stationed at the reference desk to help them use the Library and find the information they need. The electronic and print resources of the Library are quite rich, but it is often necessary to consult a reference librarian to receive the full benefit of these collections," explained Webb.
Webb also stated that the reference desk is staffed whenever the Library is open, even during finals week when the Library is open to midnight.

For more information about Killam Library, please call 326.2400 or visit the homepage at http://library.tamiu.edu.

For help with the proxy server, database searching, or other reference assistance, please call the reference desk at 326.2138.

For more information about library instruction and other library services, please contact John Maxstadt at 326.2116, visit offices in Killam Library, room 109 or email jmaxstadt@tamiu.edu

For more information about government information workshops and custom mapmaking, please call Chris Miller at 326.2119, visit offices in Killam Library, room 214, or email cmiller@tamiu.edu.

Regular Killam Library office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

University offices will reopen for Spring 2004 Registration at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5. Registration may be accomplished throughout these days and prior to General Registration on Friday, Jan. 16. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. Registration information is available by calling the Office of the Registrar at 326.2250.