When I was a freshman they charged me $45.00 for orientation. They showed everything around the campus, where things are located and where to go for help etc. They also showed the library, where to check out books and the reference department… But they actually did not help us learn how to search. I think the library should have workshops for freshmen every semester because there is a lot of stuff going on in library which students do not know about. I didn’t know that I can request books from other libraries. But I got a job and saw books labeled UIC, ITT, etc. I asked one of the staff and she told me about I-share. Two months later, I found out about ILLiad. Now just one month ago I learned that the NEIU Library has newspapers online, and some online books. But I don’t know how I search today’s newspapers online. And what about the articles which my professor put online? How do I get the full text? I always have problems opening articles which are online. And yes! Last summer I found out about REFWORKS but I still do not know how to use it. I read the booklet and the pamphlet but they do not help much. I think watching or seeing someone else doing it in front of you is better than reading the booklet. I still do not know what the MLRC is for. How can I use it? What do I need? Thank you.

Dave Green, Associate University Librarian for Collections and Information Services replies:

Hi Salina. Thanks for all your comments. Having a library orientation for freshman each semester sounds like a good idea. I’ll talk with our instruction librarians about creating such a program.