What new faculty need to know about JMU Libraries

Posted on: May 26, 2022

Welcome to James Madison University! We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to meet you.

At JMU Libraries, we help advance your research and teaching, offering library resources/services and supporting the effective use of educational technology in your teaching.

On our beautiful campus, you’ll find four library facilities, which you can tour (virtually) in this short video. 

How to get the most from our services and offerings as you make JMU your academic home:

Library Resources and Services

• Meet your liaison librarian: Each academic unit has a designated librarian who offers advice and tools for subject-specific research, information literacy, and more. Make an appointment or email your librarian to get started.

• Request instruction sessions for your courses: Librarians can help your students learn how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically—via instruction sessions that you can integrate into your course.

• Get the books you need: Borrow books or request books to be delivered to your on-campus mailbox.

• Explore our disciplinary research guides: Our research guides offer JMU’s databases and research tools for your field.

• Find what you need online: Explore our online resources, including streaming movies, journals, ebooks, databases, and more.

• Obtain materials not in the Libraries: Request articles, books, and book chapters from other institutions via Interlibrary Loan.

• Locate rare materials and local archives: Peruse the Special Collections’ Digital Collections or visit Special Collections on the second floor of Carrier Library. 

• Connect from off-campus: Most of the Libraries’ online collections and resources are available from off-campus by logging in with your JMU eID/password. Learn how to connect from off-campus.

• Questions are always welcome: Ask us about library resources, services, or materials.

Qualitative and quantitative research tools and resources:

• Plan and conduct your research with our Qualitative Data Analysis and Quantitative Data Analysis guides, created by JMU Librarians.

• Prepare to manage your research data with our Data Management guide.

• Deepen your knowledge of research methods and statistics with Sage Research Methods.

• Share your research: Get expert advice on scholarly communications. Share your papers with the world via the JMU Scholarly Commons.

Instructional Design and Educational Technologies

• Consult with an instructional designer or educational technologist: Our skilled and friendly experts can talk with you about course design, digital projects, and much more. Request a consultation.

• Get the equipment you need: Borrow multimedia equipment, including microphones, laptops, projectors, and more.

• Use classroom technology: Learn about the technology and equipment in classrooms on campus. 

• Get tech support for Canvas and other learning technologies: Request technical assistance or refer to the Canvas Instructor Guide.
  

• Get help with recording video or audio: Request media production support from Media Production Services.

• Experiment with 3D printing, sewing, and more: Visit The Makery in Rose or Carrier for a peek into the making, crafting, and creative pursuits we support.

• Learn the basics of teaching hybrid/online courses at JMU: Consult our Guide to Online & Hybrid Teaching at JMU.

• Develop your skills in online or hybrid teaching: Take an online workshop about teaching online and related topics.

Other Teaching and Technology Support

Beyond the Libraries, these units will be helpful with your teaching and technology needs:

• JMU Information Technology (IT): Get help with your eID, Duo, your JMU email, campus wifi, SharePoint, MyMadison, Pulse Secure VPN, and other computing topics. Also, see JMU IT’s info for new faculty.

• Center for Faculty Innovation (CFI): Engage in faculty-driven programs and services that provide with you support for your multidimensional role as a teacher, scholar, leader, and adviser.

We’re Here to Help

Starting something new in a time of great change can be strange and overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Whether you have a question about a book, your Canvas course, or how to find the best primary source on the history of JMU, we in the Libraries are here for you. Not sure who to ask? Visit our Ask the Library page to use our live chat or send us a message.

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