Basie Gitlin
What is the Personal Librarian Program?
The Personal Librarian (PL) Program is designed to introduce students entering Yale College to the collections and services of the Yale University Library. Upon matriculation, each freshman will be matched with a research librarian who will help with any academic work involving the Library and its collections, study spaces and/or staff. Students typically work more frequently with their Personal Librarians during their freshman and sophomore years. Once a student declares a major they will begin working with a Subject Specialist [1] who will help with relevant assignments through completion of the senior year.
How can I help you?
I will:
- Keep you informed with periodic e-mail messages highlighting new resources and programs especially for students, as well as notices and timely reminders, such as extended Library hours during Reading Week and finals
- Answer your questionsd about Library policies, procedures and services, such as RefWorks workshops and Borrow Direct [2]
- Assist with finding information for your research assignments, by helping you articulate your research question, identify the best sources and formulate your search strategy
- Support you even when you're not around (on vacation, or away from Yale doing research)
- Help you when you don't know where to start, or you can't think of what to do next
Things I don't do (but I'll help you find out who can)
I won't:
- Set up your computer (i.e. NetIDs, VPN)
- Do your research, make photocopies or write your paper for you (well, we won't find someone to write your paper - that part's up to you - but we can put you in touch with The Writing Center or a writing tutor)