What can the Library do for you?

As a new or returning student to campus you'll find there are many resources available to you. What can you expect from your Albertsons Library? Here's a quick breakdown:

• Reference assistance: What does a librarian do, really? In a nutshell, we're here to guide and teach you how to discover and use a vast array of print and electronic resources. We teach you to think critically about the sources you use in your research, to use the most relevant books or articles for your topic, and to navigate your way around scholarly databases. We also offer this expertise via chat, e-mail, phone, or in person. Stop by the reference desk or visit our "Ask a question" page.
• Computers: We have over 80 computer stations in the first floor, with another 25 on the second floor. All have Microsoft Office 2007 and all print using the BroncoPrint system. Use your Bronco Card as your print card (it's also your library card). You can also check out Macs and PC laptops from the Circulation Desk on the first floor.
• Books! Well, that's the obvious one. The library has a growing collection of over half a million books. Use the WorldCat Local search box on our homepage to search our collection and the collections of just about every (public, school, academic) library in the United States. It is that powerful :D
• The Second Floor: Is where you will find the Special Collections department , which houses all our rare books and archives related to Idaho, Boise State University history, and more. There's also the Curriculum Resource Center, where you'll find all our multimedia (DVDs, VHS, books on tape/CD, Music CDs), curriculum materials, and the Juvenile and Young Adult literature collections.
• LibGuides: These are research guides on steroids. Librarians create these guides for most departments (and in some cases, individual classes) to provide you with an overview with your top resources for a specific discipline or subject. You can find a list of available guides at our "Resources by Subject" page.
• Classrooms: Chances are your professor will bring you to the library to learn about the resources mentioned above, so they'll have you come to rooms L203 or L201C. Both of these rooms, on the second floor of the library, are where the librarians will help your class get a jump start on your research.

These are but a few of the services Albertsons Library puts at your disposal. As the semester progresses we will highlight other services or electronic resources that can help you succeed here at Boise State. Remember, all you have to do is ask!