Holy Cross libraries blog

If you like the idea of learning new research skills, are comfortable presenting to groups and enjoy helping fellow students, consider applying to be a Peer Research Consultant!

Peer Research Consultants or PRCs assist librarians in library instruction sessions, contribute to outreach and other projects relating to research support, and provide personalized research assistance to their fellow students through Peer2Peer Research Consultations.

This position is open to interested members of the classes of 2022 and 2023. Work-study eligibility is not required.

No prior experience working in the Libraries is required; however, you should be familiar with very basic library research skills such as checking out a book, using CrossSearch and recognizing scholarly sources. Schedule is flexible, beginning with 4-6 hours per week of training in the Spring 2021 semester and moving to 8-10 hours per week once training is completed. PRCs will work remotely in Spring 2021. Residence on campus during the Spring 2021 semester is not required  to apply.

For more information, and to apply, visit https://sites.google.com/g.holycross.edu/prcs/home. Applications are due by Monday, January 25, 2021. Applicants who successfully pass the first round will be contacted in early January and invited to an in-person interview between Sunday, January 31 – Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

Dinand and the Science Library will be open to those with permission to be on campus during the J-Term / Winter Break, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.  All libraries will be closed Saturdays & Sundays during this time.

For more information, visit the libraries’ hours page:  https://www.holycross.edu/holy-cross-libraries/holy-cross-libraries-hours

Questions?  Email a reference librarian at libref@holycross.edu

Next week, Dinand Library and the Science Library will be open to those who have approved access Monday 12/21, and Tuesday, 12/22, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.  Wednesday, 12/23, the library buildings will be closed, but library staff will be available online should you need assistance.

The library buildings will be closed from Wednesday, December 23 – Sunday, January 3.   The full hours calendar is available on the Libraries’ Hours page:  https://www.holycross.edu/holy-cross-libraries/holy-cross-libraries-hours

Access to online materials including databases, online journals, and e-books, will still be available during this time.  If you need immediate assistance, please visit our research help chat service at http://libguides.holycross.edu/ask, open 24/7 except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Starting Friday, December 11th, Dinand Library will have special hours for finals.  Please remember that ALL students are REQUIRED to check in at the circulation desk before being allowed entry, and to present your Holy Cross ID card for verification of approved access.

For the full schedule, visit the library hours page:  https://www.holycross.edu/holy-cross-libraries/holy-cross-libraries-hours

For virtual assistance, book a PRS appointment or chat with a librarian on the “Ask A Librarian” page:  https://libguides.holycross.edu/ask

Interlibrary loan services from the Worcester Art Museum Library are currently postponed until Friday, December 4th. ILL services from the WAM Library will resume on 12/4.

During this time, if you have any questions, please email libref@holycross.edu .

The Holy Cross Libraries have received a $500 stipend from Resilient Communities: Libraries Respond to Climate Change, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA), that will help the libraries engage our communities in programs and conversations on climate change.

Resilient Communities strives to raise awareness and provide accurate information about climate change to all. The pilot project has been funded by a generous grant from Andrew and Carol Phelps, the parents of a public librarian and a library master’s student.

“The College on the Hill is no stranger to severe winter storms, dangerous wind chill, or challenging heat waves. As climate change worsens, Worcester anticipates even greater weather fluctuations and an increase in extreme temperature events.” – Eileen Cravedi, Head of Access and Discovery Services

Resilient Communities programming will kick off this winter with a non-fiction short story contest and continue through Purple Goes Green Week in April 2021. Stay tuned on the Libraries’ social media accounts for upcoming events, and check out Decoding the Weather Machine in the interim.

“The College’s Libraries look forward to supporting our community in accessing resources and information that fosters carbon mitigation and climate resilience.” – Eileen Cravedi

About the American Library Association: 
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.