Content and Use Training:       

Classes are available for both small and large groups. Through the use of an LCD projection system, the library staff is able to provide instruction in the use of all print and non-print materials.  Classes may be of an introductory nature or they may be content specific. Input from faculty is encouraged and library staff will work with faculty to design guides for their particular area of instruction.  Faculty are encouraged to schedule class groups well in advance of desired instruction dates.  Contact Deborah Vroman at 862-6227 or dvroman@rbc.edu.

Assignment Design Services       

The library staff will work collaboratively with faculty to design library research assignments that will ensure student success. 

Collection Development Services        

We encourage faculty to review library holdings in the areas of their expertise and instruction. We solicit recommendations for materials that will support and strengthen our holdings in relation to the instructional program offered at Richard Bland College. Also, faculty may request items online using the Purchase Request Form.  

Interlibrary Loan       

Books, videos and DVDs not available in the Richard Bland College Library may be borrowed from another library.

Richard Bland College is part of the Richmond Academic Library Consortium (RALC). Books and videos may be borrowed from Richmond Area libraries through this service. A shuttle drops off and picks up at Richard Bland College on Tuesdays and Thursdays. RALC is especially useful for borrowing videos and DVDs.

Through VIVA,  it is possible to search WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union Catalog) for resources. Using WorldCat, faculty may conduct their own searches, check library holdings to confirm item availability in another Virginia college or university library, and submit online ILL request forms. Faculty are also welcome to ask a librarian to research WorldCat on their behalf; a librarian will be happy to assist.
       
Requests for journal articles are expedited through ARIEL, a computer software program which uses the Internet for transmission.  Request forms are available online under Interlibrary Loan or you may simply submit a list of citations through email or in person.

Reference       

The library staff is available to assist you with your research needs.  Through VIVA, the library has access to a variety of electronic databases, including Project MUSE, PowerSearch, FirstSearch, and Ebsco. Through our memberships in RALC and VIVA, the libhrarians are able to provide access to an extensive network of information and resources.  Updates on VIVA databases will be emailed campus wide and will also be posted in Library Bookmarks, our online newsletter. Both Library Bookmarks and a List of New Books, Videos & DVDs provide up-to-date information on what is new in the library. For reference service contact Deborah Vroman at 862-6227 or dvroman@rbc.edu.

Web Pages for Faculty

• Academe Online
• The Chronicle of Higher Education (Library staff email daily updates from the Chronicle to interested faculty.)
• Dissertation Express / UMI
• SCHEV
• Tools for Teachers: Helping Students Write Better in All Courses / UC Berkeley

Plagiarism Resources

The library has developed a web page of helpful information and links on the subject of plagiarism.

Support Services

Circulation       

Faculty may borrow books for one semester.  Popular videos may be borrowed for a 7-day period, and DVDs may be borrowed for a 3-day period with one renewal.  Videos used for instructional purposes may be checked out on an as-needed basis.  Periodicals and reference books do not circulate. (See photocopy services below).

Photocopy Services       For your convenience, the library will make available, at no charge, the use of a photocopy machine for reproduction of a single copy of an article in a periodical or reference book or any other non-circulating item.

Reserves       

Before the start of each semester, please let the reference librarian know what materials need to be placed on reserve.  Materials may include personal items, library materials, videos, DVDs and/or photocopies.  Reserves may be designated as "library use only," overnight, 3-day, 5-day or 14-day loans. Contact Deborah Vroman at 862-6227 or dvroman@rbc.edu regarding reserves.

Equipment       

The library has available for checkout the following equipment:  laptop computers, digital camera, VCR, projection screen, record players, and an LCD Data Projector. These items are loaned exclusively for Richard Bland College educational purposes.

Last updated November 15, 2007