The University Libraries are excited to announce our new Peer Research Assistants program.  Our Assistants are undergraduate students who have been trained in library research strategies and techniques as well as library resources and services. 

The Assistants are located at the east side of the Tech & Research Desk in the O’Shaughnessy-Frey library – look for the whiteboard and lights.  They are available for drop-in research help Monday – Friday 10 am – 6pm (5 pm on Fridays). We’re planning on extending those hours soon. 

Wondering what kinds of help you can get from a Peer Research Assistant? We asked Josie Morss, one of our PRAs, to fill you in:

For much of my shift I spend most of my time sitting. I never turn down a good ol sit, but revel in the exercise of brain power and properly stretching my legs. Before you walk past me next time consider me the person with answers – or the person that will lead you on the path toward them.

Feel free to poke my brain about any of the following:

A CLICsearch driver
CLICsearch is a resource that helps you find all the library’s treasures. The books. The articles. The videos. And more. It’s a user-friendly tool that makes finding books, articles, and reviews so much easier. You’re given a golden opportunity to master this site on your own time. If you’re not into mastery though, worry not because myself and the rest of the Peer Research Assistant folks are embarking on our black belt mastery skills. If you don’t want to find it – we can.

Research & Librarian Guides
College research projects are hard work. They require tons of time, extreme effort, and meticulous planning. The hardest part though is usually figuring out where to start. I could certainly give you the highlight reel of the library guides based on what’s beneficial for you. The databases could be of help in the wake of such a project, but if hungry for more knowledge I could definitely slide over a business card of our subject librarians – who specialize in different fields – and who would love nothing more than to help you dive deeper into learning.

Printing Problems
I’m no computer wiz, but when our tech experts are off-duty or helping someone else, I’m the inevitable stand in. Computers are confusing and the printing process doesn’t make it any easier. If you find yourself getting in fights with our sometimes uncooperative technology. Give me a holler and I’ll be sure to ease your frustrations with a friendly introduction to print.stthomas.edu and it’s army of printers.

The Human Map
If you’re directionally challenged, like me, eagerly attempting to locate a bathroom, or on the hunt for a building you’ve never explored look no further than to me. I’m able to point you in the right direction (most of the time). If you come to me in search of a bathroom I’d tell you that every floor in O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library is graced by its presence, except the main floor. If confused on how to find a specific building, I will be sure to nudge you in the right direction. Just like Dora’s close friend the map – I will help get you where you need to go.