Get Started Using the Libraries
You probably know that you can check out a book, but the libraries offer so much more. Here are tips on how to get started with library spaces, materials, and online resources.
Find Your Space
The University Libraries belong to you. Find a library location that supports your study style or has experts in your major. Find study spaces at our locations around campus.
Mary Idema Pew Library
The University Library’s flagship location in Allendale, the Mary Idema Pew Library and Learning Information Commons offers flexible study spaces, innovative technologies, and friendly librarians ready to help.
Steelcase Library
Steelcase Library is in the heart of the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus, and houses a quiet reading room, collaborative study spaces, and the Curriculum Materials Library.
Frey Foundation Learning Commons
The Frey Foundation Learning Commons is the Library supporting the Health Campus, located in the DeVos Center for Interdisciplinary Health.
Find What You Need
Library Search
Library Search searches most library resources in a single unified search, including books, articles, media and more. For best results, make your search more specific:
- Add search terms: instead of Stress try Stress in the workplace.
- Select a filter like Peer Reviewed or Source Type > Audio, to limit your results.
To further level up, try search operators:
- Search operators, like AND and NOT, are special commands that combine your search words in specific ways.
- There is a core set of commonly used operators, though you will find occasional variations: HOLLIS uses NOT, where Google uses a minus sign (-).
Databases
The right tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. Databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools. You might know JSTOR or Academic Search Premier, but there are hundreds more.
MeLCat
The Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) offers an easy-to-use catalog of libraries around Michigan that is available to you through the Libraries. Browse their site and use the barcode from your GVSU ID card to request materials for free.
Document Delivery
Need an article or book that GVSU doesn't own? You can request any material through our Document Delivery service and we'll try to get a copy or borrow it from another library, free of charge.
Citation Tools
Through the library, you have access to citation tools. These help you organize your sources and can create your bibliography.
Types of Library Collections
- Circulating collections: Most items are available for you to borrow, like books, laptops, or study aids. Circulating libraries also offer spaces for individual and group study.
- Special collections: These libraries have rare and unique items, which are available for scheduled visits. Bring your curiosity. Special Collections and University Archives in Seidman House want students to come explore.
Meet an Expert
Liaison Librarians
Every subject taught at GVSU has a liaison librarian that can help you with your research questions, finding and citing sources, and more. Meet with a liaison librarian in-person, online, or through email.
Knowledge Market
Get help from highly-trained peer consultants to improve your research, writing, speech, or digital projects. In a hurry? Browse the Resource Market for self-service tips for doing better work.
Subject Guides
Find guides for every subject taught at GVSU to get a jump start on your research. These guides are created by subject-expert liaison librarians.
Did You Know The Library Has:
Popular Reading
We have a collection of popular reading materials available to browse and check out at the Mary Idema Pew and Steelcase Libraries.
E-books and Audiobooks
The University Libraries is a member of the Overdrive for Michigan Academics (OMIA), and provide access to e-books and audiobooks through OverDrive.
Not Just Books!
The University Libraries checks out Laptops, phone chargers, study aids, digital project equipment and more! The Technology Showcase in the Mary Idema Pew Library has 3D printers and embroidery machines for your use, too!
