Finding reliable information, managing research assignments, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming for many college students. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), the Library helps students build those skills while providing access to research tools, study spaces, technology, and personalized support throughout their academic journey.
The CWI Library is part of the College’s Learning Commons, which also includes Tutoring Services and the Writing and AI Literacy Center. Together, these academic support services help students navigate coursework, strengthen academic skills, and connect with support in one collaborative environment.
More than a place to check out books, the Library serves as a hub where students can ask questions, find resources, and receive guidance from library staff trained to help students to learn research skills, evaluate information, and move through college successfully.
“We’re here to help students find and evaluate information,” said Library Services Assistant Director, Jean-Louise Zancanella. “But we also want students to feel comfortable asking questions and getting support, even if they are not entirely sure where to start.”
Support Beyond Books
The Library provides access to a wide range of academic and learning resources designed to support students both inside and outside the classroom.
Students can access:
- Books and ebooks
- Scholarly articles and research databases
- Streaming videos and documentaries
- Anatomy models and learning aids
- Technology such as calculators and computer accessories
- Study spaces for individual or group work
- Course reserve textbooks and materials
Many resources are available online 24/7, allowing students to conduct research, watch instructional videos, and access academic materials from anywhere.
The Library also offers access to specialized databases and digital resources that many students may not expect from a college library. Through the Library, students can access resources such as JSTOR, ScienceDirect, CQ Researcher, Kanopy streaming videos, and The New York Times.
For students who cannot find a specific resource, the Library’s “Request It” service allows students to request books, articles, videos, and other materials from libraries across the country. In many cases, the Library may also purchase requested materials to add to its growing collection.
Helping Navigate Information
One of the Library’s primary roles is helping students learn how to locate, evaluate, and responsibly use information.
As students increasingly rely on online searches, social media, and AI-generated content, librarians work closely with students and faculty to teach research and information evaluation skills that apply across academic, professional, and everyday settings.
Library staff regularly partner with faculty to provide classroom instruction, helping students learn how to identify credible sources, evaluate information critically, and conduct effective research. Librarians also meet one-on-one with students to guide them through assignments and research projects.
“Research and information evaluation is like any other skill in life – the more you do it, the easier it gets,” Zancanella said. “We want students to feel confident asking questions, checking sources, and understanding how to determine whether information is reliable.”
Library staff also help students navigate questions related to misinformation and artificial intelligence by teaching transferable evaluation skills students can apply to websites, articles, AI-generated responses, and other digital content.
Support Designed for Students
The Library is designed to support students with a wide range of schedules, learning styles, and educational goals.
Students can connect with Library staff through:
- In-person support at Library locations
- Online chat with library staff
- Text and email assistance
- Phone support
- Virtual research appointments through Zoom
Library staff work to make support approachable and accessible, especially for students who may be new to college or unfamiliar with library resources.
The Library also offers self-paced learning opportunities through several online Library Badges that introduce students to research tools, source evaluation, and other foundational academic skills.
Specialized Support Across Programs
From Arts and Humanities to Health Sciences to Industry, Engineering, and Trades and beyond, the Library provides subject liaisons for academic disciplines across the College. These librarians work closely with faculty and students within specific program areas to support research assignments and connect students with specialized resources related to their field of study.
This approach allows librarians to build expertise in specific academic areas while helping students receive more personalized research support.
In some upper-level courses, librarians may also provide embedded research support within Canvas, working alongside faculty to guide students throughout the research process.
Student Success Center
The CapEd Student Success Center is now open, bringing the Library, Tutoring Services and the Writing and AI Literacy Center together as part of the Learning Commons.
Bringing these services together in one shared space will make it easier for students to move between research help, tutoring, writing support, and other academic resources during a single visit.
The shared environment is designed to create a more connected and collaborative student experience while helping students access support in a centralized location.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is being able to help students more directly,” Zancanella said. “If a student needs tutoring or writing support, we’ll be able to walk them right over and connect them with someone who can help. That kind of collaboration makes a big difference for students.”
For more information about the Library, research support, or available resources, students can visit the Library online, email library@cwi.edu, call 208.562.3115, or text 208.449.1010.
Students can also visit the Library at the Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center (NCSC), and Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN) or online.
