The Hekman Library, located on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a comprehensive academic library that provides a wide range of resources and services to support the research and educational needs of its students, faculty, and staff. With a vast collection of over 500,000 volumes, 1,300 periodicals, and numerous electronic resources, the Hekman Library is an essential hub for academic success. In this article, we will explore 10+ secrets of the Hekman Library that can help students achieve their academic goals.
Introduction to the Hekman Library
The Hekman Library is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a comfortable and quiet study environment, with over 1,200 seats and 100 computer workstations. The library is also equipped with advanced technology, including 3D printing, virtual reality equipment, and multimedia production software. With a team of experienced librarians and staff, the Hekman Library provides personalized research assistance, instruction, and other support services to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.
Secret 1: Research Assistance
One of the best-kept secrets of the Hekman Library is the research assistance provided by the librarians. Students can get help with finding relevant sources, evaluating information, and citing sources correctly. The librarians are available to assist students in person, by phone, or through email and online chat. According to a study by the Association of College and Research Libraries, students who use library research services tend to achieve higher grades and have better academic outcomes.
| Research Assistance Services | Description |
|---|---|
| One-on-one consultations | Personalized research assistance with a librarian |
| Group study rooms | Collaborative study spaces with whiteboards and multimedia equipment |
| Online research guides | Subject-specific guides to help students find relevant sources and information |
Secret 2: Interlibrary Loan Services
The Hekman Library offers interlibrary loan services, which allow students to borrow materials from other libraries and institutions. This service is particularly useful for students who need access to rare or hard-to-find sources. According to a study by the Online Computer Library Center, interlibrary loan services can increase student satisfaction and improve academic outcomes.
Secret 3: Study Spaces and Amenities
The Hekman Library offers a variety of study spaces and amenities to support student learning and productivity. These include quiet study areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces with whiteboards and multimedia equipment. The library also provides access to snacks and beverages, as well as a relaxation room with comfortable seating and calming music.
- Quiet study areas with individual desks and comfortable seating
- Group study rooms with whiteboards and multimedia equipment
- Collaborative workspaces with flexible seating and mobile tables
- Relaxation room with comfortable seating and calming music
Secret 4: Technology and Software
The Hekman Library provides access to a wide range of technology and software to support student learning and productivity. These include 3D printing, virtual reality equipment, and multimedia production software. Students can also check out laptops, tablets, and other devices for use in the library or at home.
| Technology and Software | Description |
|---|---|
| 3D printing | Create three-dimensional models and prototypes using advanced printing technology |
| Virtual reality equipment | Experience immersive and interactive learning environments using VR headsets and controllers |
| Multimedia production software | Create videos, podcasts, and other multimedia content using industry-standard software |
Secret 5: Digital Scholarship and Data Services
The Hekman Library provides digital scholarship and data services to support student research and scholarship. These include data management and analysis, digital scholarship consulting, and support for digital humanities projects. According to a study by the Council on Library and Information Resources, digital scholarship and data services can enhance student research and improve academic outcomes.
Secret 6: Information Literacy Instruction
The Hekman Library provides information literacy instruction to help students develop the skills they need to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. These instruction sessions are tailored to specific courses and disciplines and are designed to support student learning and academic success.
- Information literacy instruction sessions
- Online research guides and tutorials
- One-on-one consultations with librarians
Secret 7: Accessibility Services
The Hekman Library provides accessibility services to support students with disabilities. These include assistive technology, accessible study spaces, and accommodations for students with mobility or sensory impairments.
| Accessibility Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Assistive technology | Software and devices to support students with disabilities |
| Accessible study spaces | Quiet and comfortable study areas with adaptive furniture and equipment |
| Accommodations for students with mobility or sensory impairments | Support for students with mobility or sensory impairments, including wheelchair accessibility and sign language interpretation |
Secret 8: Library Collections and Resources
The Hekman Library has a vast collection of over 500,000 volumes, 1,300 periodicals, and numerous electronic resources. These collections include books, journals, databases, and other materials to support student research and scholarship.
Secret 9: Library Events and Workshops
The Hekman Library hosts a variety of events and workshops to support student learning and academic success. These include author readings, research workshops, and technology training sessions.
- Author readings and book signings
- Research workshops and instruction sessions
- Technology training sessions and tutorials
Secret 10: Library Support for Faculty and Staff
The Hekman Library provides support for faculty and staff, including research assistance, instruction, and collection development. The library also offers resources and services to support faculty and staff in their teaching and research endeavors.
| Library Support for Faculty and Staff | Description |
|---|---|
| Research assistance | Personalized research assistance for faculty and staff |
| Instruction and training | Instruction and training sessions for faculty and staff on library resources and services |
| Collection development | Support for faculty and staff in developing and maintaining library collections |
What are the hours of operation for the Hekman Library?
+The Hekman Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm, Friday from 8am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
How do I access the library’s online resources and databases?
+Students, faculty, and staff can access the library’s online resources and databases by logging in with their Calvin University username and password.
What types of study spaces are available in the library?
+The library offers quiet study areas, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces with whiteboards and multimedia equipment.
