by Keegan Malan

PUC’s Library is a great resource that is often underused, even though it really should be. There are plenty of sources and help to be found in the library, whether in person, or online. Here is your guide to using the library properly to your advantage. 

Research Help

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you have a paper and your brain just won’t work, you get a jumpstart through the library. If you want to talk to someone, you can start a live chat by pressing LIVE CHAT on the right side of the page. You can ask questions, and they will get back to you very soon. Talk to a reference librarian by calling (707) 965-6639, texting (707) 229-1340, or emailing reference@puc.edu. Whatever way you want to communicate, you will find help. 

Maybe your trouble is more technical. How do you properly cite this or that, or format this or that? Click on RESEARCH HELP, then on Writing Tools, and you will have access to online resources to get help in preparing your research papers, citations, and bibliographies. With these, you’ll be well prepared, adequately informed, and ready to turn in your papers. 

Find Sources

It’s often hard to find resources and citations you can use for your papers and homework that are both informative and reliable. Too often, are sources you look at through casual Google searches, which are unreliable. That is why the library is such a great source of information. But not too many people use the online database. It’s a real shame, because the sources they have are excellent for getting you the information you need to write a good paper, and to better inform you on the subject you are researching, and it is really easy to access. You will have access to a slew of databases, articles, journals, and other reliable resources. Just visit the page, click on FIND, and you’ll see a number of sources you can click on and follow all the way through that you will find very useful. 

Physical Copies

If you’re quick enough, you might not have to pay for the online version of a book. Required readings are often on reserve at the library’s front desk. A reserve item has a short loan period to allow everyone a chance to use the material. Ask at the front desk if you need help. You can also search the library catalog to see what’s on reserve, and maybe you’ll get lucky. You won’t know until you try.

Use the library and the resources it offers. Ask for help, make sure your papers are technically sound, and see how easy it is. PUC’s Library is for you to use to the fullest extent, so reap its benefits.