Library Research Center
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What We Do
Research consultants are highly-trained students ready to help you improve your library research skills. Research consultants can help you:
- Brainstorm topics
- Find information using library databases, government websites, and Google
- Find individual sample ballots and nonpartisan candidate information
- Read and evaluate research
- Fact-check information provided by AI
- Understand terms like "peer-reviewed" and "scholarly"
- Differentiate between primary and secondary sources
- Integrate research into your writing and projects
- Create annotated bibliographies
- Cite sources
Hours and Locations
Fall Semester
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Mary Idema Pew Library (Allendale) |
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Sundays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Mondays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Tuesdays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Wednesdays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Thursdays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Online |
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Sundays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Mondays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Tuesdays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Wednesdays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
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Thursdays |
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Meet with Us
What to Expect in a Consultation
Research consultants are available to work with you online or in-person at the Mary Idema Pew Library in Allendale. With both mediums, a consultant will meet with you one-on-one for 30 minutes to discuss your research project. The content of every session is different because consultants are focused on your individual needs.
Consultations are most productive if you:
- Have your assignment sheet
- Come prepared with specific questions
- Leave plenty of time to work on your project before it's due
Expect a friendly conversation with a highly-trained peer that will end with a plan for improving your project. Feel free to come back with new drafts of your project or more questions!
Click the link below to make an appointment or join our virtual drop-in queue. We look forward to working with you!
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How Consultants are Trained
Research consultants are students who have been selected through a rigorous hiring process, demonstrating strong interpersonal and research skills. Once hired, they participate in a comprehensive training program that includes a two-day orientation, biweekly mentor group meetings, and ongoing professional workshops. They receive training in library research, including:
- Brainstorming strategies
- Finding information using library databases, government websites, and Google
- Reading and evaluating research
- Understanding terms like "peer-reviewed" and "scholarly"
- Differentiating between primary and secondary sources
- Creating annotated bibliographies
- Citing sources and avoiding plagiarism
Consultants also learn peer consulting strategies. They are trained to offer options and guidance while giving you full control of the consultation. We're here to help, but the decisions are yours.
If you have any questions about our hiring or training methods, please contact Jennifer Torreano, Director of the Knowledge Market.
Meet the research consultants! Visit our page to read about our staff.
Looking for resources?
We've got you covered! You can find guide sheets, topic ideas, and helpful links in our Resource Market.
For Faculty & Staff
We have many ways to support you and your students! Visit our Knowledge Market Services for Faculty and Staff page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a variety of options for you to choose from to have a consultation that meets your needs. We'll meet you in person or online, and you can schedule an appointment in advance or drop by during open hours. If you need additional accommodations or have questions, please use the button below to contact Jennifer Torreano, Director of the Knowledge Market. We look forward to working with you!
How do appointments work?
Appointments are 30- or 50-minute consultations that are reserved for you. To create an appointment:
- Log into Book It using your Blackboard username and password
- Click on "New Appointment" at the top
- Select the service you would like
- Use the form to choose the details for your appointment and click "Confirm & Schedule" in the pop-up box
How do drop-ins work?
Drop-ins are 30-minute consultations that take place in the order in which students arrive for them. Everything is the same as an appointment except you may need to wait for a consultant to become available.
For an in-person drop-in: tell the receptionist you'd like a drop-in consultation.
For an online drop-in:
- Log into Book It
- Click on "Virtual Drop-in" at the top of the page
- Select the service you'd like
- Accept the privacy policy
- Click "Enter Drop-in Queue"
Refresh the My Appointments page periodically so you'll see the "Enter Appointment" button pop up when your consultant is ready to begin. That button will take you to a Google Meet room for your consultation.
Can I have a consultation online?
Yes, the Library Research Center provides online consultations so you can access our services from wherever you are! We use Google Meet, which is a video chat platform in the Google Suite. This is a free service to you as a Grand Valley student; just be sure to use your student Gmail account. The features available include:
- Video
- Audio
- Screen sharing
- Chat
- Document sharing
- Closed captioning
To have a virtual consultation, make an appointment or join the drop-in queue using Book It. Refresh the My Appointments page periodically so you'll see the "Enter Appointment" button pop up when your consultant is ready to begin. That button will take you to a Google Meet room for your consultation.
Can I send session notes to my professor?
Yes! At the end of your session, your consultant will ask if you'd like a copy of your session notes sent to your professor. A copy will automatically be emailed to you as well, so you can forward it if you choose to share later.
For questions about how your session notes are stored and can be shared, please read our privacy policy.
How can I apply to become a consultant?
When the Library Research Center is hiring, our application will be posted on this webpage. Applications typically go live for the following year in January.