Libraries’ services are central to student and faculty success

By Germaine Williams, Director of Communications

(August 24, 2022)

UTSA Libraries and its many services are an essential component of the college experience for students and faculty. Roadrunners can borrow tech gear, reserve study spaces, chat with a librarian to get their reference questions answered, and much more.

a photo of the AET Library interior
Computers at the AET Library come loaded with specialized engineering software.

“I received help beyond what I was asking,” and “I would not have gotten through this project without you,” are some of the comments Libraries staff receive from students and faculty every semester.

The UTSA community may access library services at the John Peace Library (JPL) and the Applied Engineering and Technology Library (AET) on the Main Campus and the Downtown Library (DTL). Both the JPL and the DTL are open seven days a week. The JPL also offers 24-hour access Monday through Friday. For a full list of hours and locations, visit lib.utsa.edu/hours.

“The library’s staff is inspired by our wonderful students and faculty,” said Vice Provost and University Librarian Dean Hendrix. “Their creativity, intelligence, and heart drive us to make positive differences that fosters success.”

 

Below are some of the library services available to students and faculty

  • Ask Us Anything Chat Service: Reference question? Citation question? Chat with library staff, using the widget on the lower right-hand corner of the library website.
  • Borrow Tech Gear: UTSA students may borrow calculators, iClickers for live student classroom interaction, Digital SLR cameras, chargers, tools, assistive devices, cables, presentation equipment, and media players. Laptops are available for 24-hour checkout at the JPL, AET, and the DTL.
  • Course/Textbook Reserves: The Library Reading List, a new self-service Blackboard feature, allows faculty to build and manage course materials and interact with students. Print copies of many textbooks are available for two-hour checkout at the JPL and the DTL front desks.
  • Dissertation and Thesis Draft Reviews: Library staff can assist graduate students with drafts and format reviews of their thesis and dissertation projects until one week before the submission deadline.
  • Faculty Center: The Faculty Center is available to faculty needing small meeting spaces that hold up to 20 people. It can serve as an informal and collaborative workspace as well and features casual seating, and complimentary coffee.
  • UTSA student at the JPL
    Desktop computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
    Faculty and Staff Services: Resources include library instruction, teaching and research support, assistance with adopting and finding Open Educational Resources, and more.
  • Get It For Me: Use one of the Get It For Me buttons located on the library website or contact the library directly to access this service. Staff will search other libraries’ collections to find any item, including books, online articles, and e-documents. The service is free for students, faculty, and staff. A small fee will be charged to members of the Community Borrowing Program.
  • Find Your Librarian: Find the librarian with your subject’s expertise who can offer research or instruction assistance, or help on a project. In-person and online appointments are available.
  • Print/Copy/Scan: These services are available at all three libraries. Full-time students receive a $12 printing credit at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Book scanners are available at the JPL and the DTL. The JPL also has several Apple desktop computers for those who prefer to work on Macs.
  • Study Spaces: There are many spaces to meet a student’s study needs at the JPL, AET, and the DTL, including many that can be reserved ahead of time. Students may book the Virtual Reality Studio at the JPL to give the HTC Vive Pro virtual reality headset a test drive.
  • Tutorials: Topics range from research tips and how to cite sources to how to protect your digital identity and specific tutorials for graduate students.
  • Use a Computer: Desktop computers for students, faculty, and staff use are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Computers in the JPL and AET come loaded with specialized engineering software.

One happy patron remarked on the service they received, “UTSA librarians have not failed me once and it seems like they're always there, ready and happy to help. They are able to find and deliver within minutes.”