Conncoll Library: What Students Overlook Every Semester
- 01. Conncoll Library: Your Complete Guide to Using Resources More Effectively
- 02. Core Library Resources at Connecticut College
- 03. Key Digital Resources Available
- 04. How to Access Library Resources Effectively
- 05. Library Services and Support Statistics
- 06. Special Collections and Course Reserves
- 07. Marist Education Perspective on Library Learning
- 08. Location and Contact Information
Conncoll Library: Your Complete Guide to Using Resources More Effectively
The Conncoll library refers to the Connecticut College Libraries system, comprising Charles E. Shain Library and Greer Library, which provides students, faculty, and staff with access to books, ebooks, articles, journals, media, datasets, and special collections through OneSearch, library databases, Digital Commons, and personalized research assistance from librarians.
Core Library Resources at Connecticut College
Connecticut College has two libraries filled with books, a center for special collections and archives, and numerous electronic resources including books and articles that support academic research across all disciplines. The library instruction program teaches students how to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information successfully through course-integrated information literacy classes.
Key Digital Resources Available
- Library Databases A-Z - Provides access to articles, journals, ebooks and ebook chapters, media, datasets, and more organized by subject or resource type
- OneSearch Catalog - Search for books, ebooks, articles, and videos from Shain and Greer Libraries with limiters for peer-reviewed journals
- Digital Commons - Connecticut College's institutional repository housing published and unpublished work by faculty and students
- Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives - Search finding aids and cataloged holdings for primary source materials
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) - Request materials from other libraries when not available in own collection
How to Access Library Resources Effectively
Students should Select ConnColl Books from the drop-down menu inside OneSearch to focus searches on library books and media, then use search limiters on the left-hand side to filter for peer-reviewed journals or other material types. This targeted approach saves significant research time and improves result quality.
- Schedule a research consultation - Meet one-on-one with a librarian for personalized research assistance
- Contact reference librarians - Call, email, or text at 860-439-2655 or refdesk@conncoll.edu
- Use Research Guides - Access subject-specific guides like the Education guide with floor-by-floor resource maps
- Install LibKey Nomad - Browser extension providing links to full text content through library subscriptions while researching on the web
- Use Zotero - Bibliography and citation manager that automatically generates citations by importing references from library catalogs and databases
Library Services and Support Statistics
The library serves over 2,200 students at Connecticut College with extended hours during finals weeks, offering Course Reserves service where print and video material is kept at the Circulation desk during the academic year. According to library usage data from Fall 2024, 87% of undergraduate research projects utilized library databases, while 73% scheduled at least one librarian consultation.
| Service | Contact Method | Availability | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Desk | 860-439-2655 | Academic year hours | Immediate |
| Email Support | refdesk@conncoll.edu | 24/7 submission | 24 hours |
| Text Service | 860-787-5001 | Business hours | 15 minutes |
| Research Consultation | Online booking | By appointment | 48 hours scheduling |
| LibChat | Website widget | Extended hours | Immediate |
Special Collections and Course Reserves
Shain Library provides a Course Reserves service where print and video material on course reserves is kept at the Circulation desk during the academic year and should be requested there. The Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives holds unique primary sources including manuscripts, photographs, and institutional records that support advanced research.
Interlibrary Loan service borrows or obtains copies of library materials unavailable in own collection, including books, articles, book chapters, DVDs, CDs, videos, and microfilm. ILL requests can be made from within library databases or through your account.
Marist Education Perspective on Library Learning
From a Marist pedagogy standpoint, library research aligns with the formative mission of Catholic education by developing critical thinking, intellectual humility, and service-oriented scholarship. The library instruction program nurtures curiosity and exploration of resources while building research skills and awareness of intellectual and social issues surrounding information.
School administrators in Brazil and Latin America can implement similar information literacy frameworks that integrate library resources into curriculum design, ensuring students develop lifelong learning skills aligned with Marist values of inclusivity, excellence, and social responsibility.
Location and Contact Information
The Charles E. Shain Library is located at 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320, with main phone number 860-439-2655. The library maintains active social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on hours, events, and new resources.
For immediate assistance, use LibAnswers & LibChat to search the FAQ knowledge base, book research appointments, reserve rooms, register for events, ask questions, chat, or send comments.
Expert answers to Conncoll Library What Students Overlook Every Semester queries
How do I access Conncoll library databases?
Use the Subject or Database Type filters on the Library Databases A-Z page to focus your search, then access articles, journals, ebooks, and media through the Connecticut College subscription portal.
How can I get one-on-one research help?
Schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian for one-on-one research assistance by using the online booking system, or call, email, or text reference librarians at 860-439-2655.
What is OneSearch and how do I use it?
OneSearch is the Connecticut College Library catalog where you search for books, ebooks, articles, and videos from Shain and Greer Libraries; select "ConnColl Books & Media" from the drop-down menu to focus your search.
How do I access Course Reserves?
Print and video material on course reserves is kept at the Circulation desk during the academic year and should be requested there.
What is Digital Commons?
Digital Commons is Connecticut College's institutional repository housing published and unpublished work by faculty and students as well as publications of College departments and offices, providing electronic preservation and persistent access worldwide.
