Library Orientations

College of San Mateo librarians offer one-hour orientation sessions introducing basic library and research skills. The ability to identify, analyze, and use information is fundamental to a successful career in higher education and in the workplace. Throughout their studies, students will conduct research and synthesize information. In addition to general skills, many disciplines require students to acquire specialized research skills.

Topics you may wish us to cover with your class include:

• Organization of the College of San Mateo Library
• Finding Books Using the Online Book Catalog
• Finding Articles Using Our Periodical Databases
• Finding Authoritative Internet Resources
• Research Strategies and Techniques
• Selection and Evaluation of Sources
• Plagiarism
• Citation Formats

Orientations are easy to schedule:

1. Fill out the Library Orientation Request or contact Teresa Morris at 650-574-6579 or morrist@smccd.edu

Include in your message:

• The date and time you would like to schedule the orientation(s) (two weeks' advance notice is preferred)
• Your phone number(s)
• Course number
• Course title
• Number of students
• Any special requests

2. You will receive confirmation of the date and time of your orientation.

3. Accompany your class to the orientation. Note: Instructors are required to accompany their class. If an instructor fails to accompany their class, the orientation will be cancelled.

Orientations can be scheduled any time the library is open.