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Distance Learning

Faculty FAQs

What is the Library Services Portal?

The Library Services Portal (pdf, 2.1mb) is a suite of services and resources for your Independent Study course. It contains the following elements:

  • Research guides for your course
  • Online research databases for finding articles
  • A link to the library catalog for finding books
  • Electronic reference sources such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, newspapers, style manuals, etc.
  • Basic research strategy outline
  • A link to the Books and Articles Delivery Service
  • Help links

How can my subject librarian help me?

Your subject librarian will consult with you to:

  • Choose appropriate research guides for your course
  • Choose appropriate databases for your course
  • Review assignments and suggest resources
  • Suggest ways to incorporate instruction on using library resources in your course
  • Answer library or research related questions from your students

Can I put articles on E-Reserve for my course?

At this time, because Independent Study students do not receive a NetID and password, there is not a way to give them access to E-Reserve articles. However, this provides a learning opportunity for your students.

  • You can provide citations to the articles you wish them to read, making sure the articles are in the databases you incorporate into the portal.
  • This has two benefits: (1) you don't have to worry about providing the students with the articles and (2) the students gain experience and practice in searching databases to find the articles.

How do off-campus instructors access library databases?

Off-campus faculty access databases via the portal using their course access code.

Who can I contact in the library for more information?

Allyson Washburn
Distributed Learning Services Librarian
2228 HBLL
422-2675
allyson_washburn@byu.edu

Student FAQs

Where is the Library Services Portal?

Login to your Independent Study course using your course code. The Library Services Portal (pdf, 2.1mb) is located in the left-hand navigation menu of your Independent Study course.

What is included in the portal?

  • Research guides for your course
  • Online research resources for finding articles
  • A link to the library catalog for finding books
  • Electronic reference sources such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, newspapers, style manuals, etc.
  • Basic research strategy outline
  • A link to the Books and Articles Delivery Service
  • Help links

What if I need to use other libraries closer to me?

Online resources
Many states now offer online resources to all state residents. Find out if your state offers online library resources.
Making the most of other libraries
If you live near a college, university or public library, they may be willing to assist you or provide access to their resources. Before using a local library please read What do I need to Consider When Using Other Libraries?. A letter of introduction, prepared by the Distributed Learning Services Librarian, is available for you to print and take to the libraries you visit. The letter is a courtesy to other librarians, but does not guarantee you special privileges.
NOTE: BYU does not have agreements with any library to provide Independent Study students with special privileges.

How do I get more help?

Research strategy or database questions?
Call or email your subject librarian from the links in the portal.
Problems accessing the databases or other general questions?
Use the CONTACT US button in the portal.
Email a question to the library?
Use the Ask a Librarian Live link in the portal.

Who can I contact in the library for more information?

Allyson Washburn
Distributed Learning Services Librarian
2228 HBLL
422-2675
allyson_washburn@byu.edu