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Reference & Instruction

The Library provides one-on-one reference assistance to students, staff and faculty at Main and CHC libraries. In addition, our reference librarians also teach Bibliographic Instruction sessions, drop-in workshops, and Library and Information Science courses.

Reference

In person:
  • on the 2nd Floor of the Main Campus Library
  • at the Chico Center Library (CHC Room 219).
By telephone:
  • 879-4024 at Main Campus
  • 879-4398 at Chico Center
By email By Internet Chat

Bibliographic Instruction (BI)

Instructors can request a BI session to help students navigate the Library's resources.

  • In person:
    • at the reference desk on the 2nd Floor of the Main Campus Library
    • at the Chico Center Library reference desk (CHC Room 219)
  • By telephone:
    • 879-4024 for Main Campus & Glenn Center
    • 879-4398 for Chico Center
  • By email


What is Bibliographic Instruction?

Bibliographic Instruction is a class session taught by a librarian to assist students in the use of library's electronic and print resources. Instruction can be tailored to the needs of the students based on course requirements or projects assigned by faculty members. All classes are conducted in computer labs (Main Campus - LB 206, Chico Center - Rm 231 or Rm 232, Glenn Center - Rm 103 or Rm 104) to provide students with hands-on online search experience.

What do my students learn in a BI session?

You can choose the focus of the BI session for your specific class. Some of the content we teach in BI sessions includes:

  • How to find books by using the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog)
  • How to find scholarly articles in the Butte College database collection
  • How to conduct research for a specific topic or a specific assignment
  • How to use a specific database (e.g. ProQuest, CQ Researcher)
  • How to find a specific type of information (e.g. statistics, quotations, political maps)
  • How to evaluate resources
  • Learn about search techniques (such as Boolean logic, truncation and wildcards)
  • Learn about various research tools and resources in a specific discipline
  • Learn about citation formats and styles
  • Learn about what resources the Library has and where to get help


Do I need to be present during a BI session?

Yes. Your presence is required and is important because:

  • you will know what your students learn in the session
  • you will be able to ask questions and guide the session to suit your class needs
  • your presence will encourage your students to attend and pay attention during the session
  • you will stay current with the library's resources and search tools
  • you will be able to provide feedback to the librarian which will help to improve future BI sessions

Workshops

  • Drop-in workshops are scheduled 4 times a month on search techniques and using library resources.
  • Faculty can earn flex hours by attending workshops
  • Students may earn extra credit by attending library workshops (check with your instructor)  
  • Workshop Schedules:

  LIS 11 Research Strategies & LIS 126 Information Fluency

  • Fast track courses
  • Students will learn how to conduct research, how to locate, analyze and evaluate information effectively
  • We offer courses every semester at the at the Main campus
  • Check out the LIS 11 & LIS 126 page to learn more about the course.

  
Call the reference desk at 879-4024 if you have any questions.

Butte College | 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville CA 95965 | General Information 530.895.2511

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