2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
University Libraries
Administration
Dean: Annie Bélanger
Associate Dean of Collections, Digital Strategy, and Strategic Organizational Development: Kristin Meyer
Interim Associate Dean of Curriculum, Research, and User Services: Jon Jeffryes
Assistant Dean of Resource Management and Administration: Jason Durham
Website
Mission
Grand Valley State University Libraries equip knowledge seekers to use information to shape their professions, enhance their communities, and create a more equitable society.
About University Libraries
University Libraries offers dynamic and diverse opportunities for research, collaboration, and individual study. From four unique locations, the libraries serve the entire Grand Valley community. Each library is uniquely tailored to its location and the programs it serves, with daily deliveries of physical materials between all university library locations.
University Libraries are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We strive to provide an environment in which all members of the campus community feel welcome, safe, supported, respected, and valued. All library staff and faculty are active in the ongoing work of identifying and eliminating barriers to ensure that all members of the library community are able to fully participate in library spaces and services. We work to ensure that our tools, devices, services, and environments are available and usable by as many people as possible.
Allendale Campus Libraries
- Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons: Collections, library services, group and individual study spaces, Knowledge Market (peer support), café, popular reading, learn labs, events and exhibits, IT Service Desk, Technology Showcase, Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement
- Seidman House: Special Collections and University Archives contain rare books, manuscripts, photographs, archives; quiet study spaces with natural light and scenic views of the ravines
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus Library
- Steelcase Library in the Richard M. DeVos Center, Building A: Specialized services and collections for professional programs, Knowledge Market (peer support), collaborative workspaces, reading room, popular reading, learn lab
- Curriculum Materials Collection in the Steelcase Library: K-12 educational resources, equipment, and services
Health Campus Library
- Frey Foundation Learning Commons in the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health: Specialized collections and services for nursing and health professional programs, includes study spaces
Library Collections
University Libraries house a rich and robust collection of resources in many formats that support curricula and the research and scholarly activities of students, faculty, and staff.
- Humanities: Large selection of history, fiction, poetry, based on needs of these courses and programs. Located on the shelves at Mary Idema Pew Library to browse, with more stored in automated storage and significant online resources.
- STEM: Recent and continually updated online databases and journals containing cutting edge information to support evidence-based science and medical practices.
- Education: Curricula, games, puppets, craft tools, and certification study material to support education students, student teachers, and alumni, available to all students. Located at the Curriculum Materials Library and the fourth floor of the Mary Idema Pew Library.
- Streaming videos: A growing collection of streaming videos through multiple platforms serves students in all subject areas.
- Leisure reading: New print, ebook, and audiobook titles are added monthly to cultivate a love of reading and lifelong learning.
- Open Educational Resources: ScholarWorks@GVSU is an open-access repository maintained by University Libraries that showcases and maintains works by Grand Valley faculty and student researchers.
Library Services
Document Delivery
University Libraries' Document Delivery and Interlibrary Loan service can locate resources that are within and outside of the University Libraries' collections. Electronic copies of articles and book chapters can be requested via the Libraries' discovery system and delivered to email within a few days. Books and other items can be borrowed from other libraries, with delivery usually within a week to a selected library location or home address.
Knowledge Market
The Knowledge Market has highly trained student employee/peer consultants who can help students improve their skills. Consultants work one-on-one with individual students or small student groups to develop research strategies, improve writing or digital skills, or polish presentations. Knowledge Market services are available at the Mary Idema Pew Library, the Steelcase Library, and virtually at gvsu.edu/library/km/.
Liaison Librarians
Liaison librarians teach students library research skills by partnering to integrate learning opportunities into course work at the point of need and through individual consultations with students. There is a specific liaison librarian for each subject area at Grand Valley. Students can schedule in-person or virtual appointments with liaison librarians to learn more about how to use the Libraries or for specific research and assignment-related assistance.
Anytime Assistance
Library users can connect with library staff via chat, email, text, or phone anytime that the Mary Idema Pew Library is open, including late nights and weekends. Assistance is also available at the Libraries service desks during open library hours. The Libraries Self-Service Help Site is available even when physical locations are closed: https://help.library.gvsu.edu/.
Distance and Hybrid Learning
University Libraries offer services that are intentionally designed to meet the needs of distance learners. Remote services include virtual consultations with the Knowledge Market and liaison librarians, chat/text help, asynchronous help resources, and off-campus book delivery.
Learning Tools
University Libraries have desktop and laptop computers, as well as printing, scanning, and copy stations.
Group study rooms, collaborative group work areas, mobile and wall whiteboards, quiet study areas, reading rooms, desk carrels, and soft seating are available in a variety of options across locations. Check with each library location for specific availability.
Partner Services
The IT Service Desk is located in the Mary Idema Pew Library, Atrium Level. Students can receive hardware and software troubleshooting services.
The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, located in room 230 of the Mary Idema Pew Library, provides support for undergraduates to pursue the research and creative practice in their discipline. Curious students are connected with ways to discover, research, and explore. Students work with faculty on student- or faculty-initiated research.
The Technology Showcase, located on the Atrium level of the Mary Idema Pew Library, provides faculty, staff, and students with an interactive and engaging environment to discover, learn, and share how innovative, emerging technologies can enhance teaching and improve student learning at Grand Valley. The showcase also offers 3-D printing.