The beginning of each semester is always a busy time at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Library — from students checking out laptops to librarians helping find resources and textbooks for students’ courses. However, User Experience Librarian, Kimberly Stephen, said even throughout the busyness it is still an “exciting” time.
“I love helping students. You get the fun parts of customer service without having to handle money,” laughed Stephen.
CWI has two library locations:
- Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building (NCMP), Room 105/103
- Ada County Campus Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1301
Library staff have the goal to help all students by providing them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed.
- At both locations, students and faculty can borrow books, videos, and other materials for free as long as they present a CWI ID. If the Library doesn’t have a book, article, or other needed item, Library staff will purchase it or get a copy through their interlibrary loan network at no cost. All students need to do is ask!
- Free tools such as, computers, Wi-Fi, and black and white printing and photocopying for CWI students and employees.
- The Nampa location has four group study rooms students can reserve online.
- The Library has access to more than fifty research databases, which have full-text research articles and streaming audio and video. Often, databases require money or subscription to use, the Library is proud to offer the resources to students and faculty for free.
- Students can work one-on-one with a librarian with a scheduled appointment.
Stephen said she and other library staff work on assignments to help find sources with students during appointments.
“We provide many resources and help students with research skills,” Stephen said. “With our many databases on the library website, students have access to helpful information and scholarly articles for free.”
Stephen encourages students to get familiar with the library and its services sooner rather than later.
“What we try to get across to students is they can ask us for help,” Stephen said. “When something comes up, they should feel comfortable reaching out. We would love for people to come into the Library to use the space to study and see what we have to offer. Then when they’re working on an assignment it won’t be scary to use the resources we have or ask for help.” CWI Library also offers items that not everyone thinks a library has to offer, like laptops to checkout for the semester, video cameras, headphones, and even a bag of toys, games, and items for young children.
“If a parent or family member comes in with their child while they’re trying to study, we say, ‘Hey, do you want to use this backpack to help keep your kid occupied?’” Stephen said. “We offer more than just books!”
For those with questions about the library or would like to get in touch with a librarian, visit CWI Library’s help page.
