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Some library spaces, collections, and services have limited availability until August 3, as we move into Carrier Library – Read More about Some library spaces, collections, and services have limited availability until August 3, as we move into Carrier Library

What New Faculty Need to Know About JMU Libraries

Posted July 14, 2026 in Data Services, Educational Technology News, Featured News, General Collections News, Instructional Design News, JMU Libraries News, Open Education News, The Makery News

library employees smiling in front of shelves of books

We want to welcome all new faculty members to JMU! We’re so glad you’re here.

Here are the top 6 things JMU Libraries can do to help you succeed at JMU:

1. Advance your research:

We can help you advance your research by consulting with you on topics such as avoiding predatory publishers, creating data management plans, and AI in research, teaching, and learning.

We’re also here to help you make the most out of our collections and scholarly resources—your department’s liaison librarian can help you dive deep into our rich collections of print materials, e-resources, and databases.

2. Support your use of Canvas:

We can help you optimize your courses for Canvas. Start with our Learning Innovations & Design Desk online or in Carrier Library. You can also get our help with tools integrated into Canvas, such as Ally (a digital accessibility checker), Canvas Studio, and the Course Reading List feature.

3. Make your course materials more affordable:

Whether you want to assign free and affordable online textbook options or place high-demand library items on course reserve, we’ve got you covered.

We can also help you find video content for your courses.

4. Help you design your courses and assignments:

Our instructional designers can provide expert advice on technology-supported teaching strategies, designing an assignment, or planning an in-person, online, or blended course. They can also co-design or co-develop an assignment or a course with you!

Our Digital Scholarship and Distinctive Collections Department can help you and your students to create websites, blogs, podcasts, maps, data visualizations, and other innovative digital projects to promote engaged learning.

5. Help your students develop strong research skills:

Liaison librarians are disciplinary experts in information literacy and research skills. They are here to support your students as they develop their research and information-seeking skills. Consider promoting our one-on-one research consultations to your students, or even collaborating with one of our librarians to deliver a research skills workshop tailored to specific assignments in your course. Email your department’s liaison librarian to explore the possibilities!

6. Connect you with educational technology tools:

We can help you enhance student learning by effectively using educational technologies, including academic software, classroom technology, multimedia equipment, and online teaching tools. Start with our Learning Innovations & Design Desk.

You and your students can also head to The Makery, our makerspace with two locations, to experiment with 3D printers, laser cutters, and textile arts tools for both course assignments and creative projects.

We’re here for you, online and in person

We offer four library locations for you and your students.

The Libraries website is the front door to all of our resources and services. You may also find our Faculty Services page a great place to start.

You should soon begin receiving our weekly email newsletter with timely reminders, information about workshops, and helpful tips for making the most of the resources available to you through JMU Libraries.

Questions? Please visit Get Help from the Libraries! We look forward to working with you!