Trent University Library : New Student Orientation

Students who are coming to Trent for the first time this fall should take some time over the summer to familiarize themselves with the Trent Library. Once you begin classes you get very busy, and there never seems to be time to stop and figure it all out. Since the library is mostly a virtual place now, with a large number of resources available over the web, you don't need to be on campus to find your way around.

Often students assume that if they need to use library resources, their course instructors will show them how. Actually, your instructors will assume you learn it on your own. The library offers programs to help with this.

Be sure to complete the Library Orientation Program over the summer.
This program is required by most first year course instructors.

Library Orientation Program

An Online Summer Course for New Students

This is an online program offered through myLearningSystem. Find it by logging into myTrent and clicking on myLearningSystem. Any current courses that you're registered for will be listed here. If you're a new Trent student, you should be registered in this course, but if you don't see it on your list, contact us and we'll add you.

The entire program is completed online. All the instructions you need are in the course. It includes tutorials and quizzes to check your learning. It gives you an opportunity to experience some of the situations you'll be faced with in the coming year.

When you complete the Library Orienation Program, you will:

be familiar with the organization of the physical library (in Peterborough or Oshawa) and the virtual library (website), and know where to find things;
understand how library resources are organized;
know how to use the library catalogue effectively;
be familiar with scholarly journal articles;
understand the difference between scholarly resources and popular magazines or websites;
know how to access the scholarly databases you need for your research.

Many first year course instructors assume you have completed this program and have a basic understanding of the library. In the fall, some of your courses will require an additional program to build your skills further, assuming you have completed this program, and focusing on subject-related resources. Research skills are an important part of your university education, and necessary for successful learning.

University libraries have many things in common with public libraries and school libraries, but there are also many differences. They are larger. They contain more scholarly resources. They use a different classification scheme - Library of Congress rather than Dewey Decimal. And much of the information they have access to is online, linked through the library website.

Take a few hours over the summer to complete this program so that you're prepared to start using the library's resources in the fall. Googling won't be enough for your research, so use this opportunity to learn how to find the serious sources.

This program is available to Oshawa and Peterborough students. If you need help or have questions about accessing this course, send a message to libraryhelp@trentu.ca.

The library can be a complicated place and you won't learn to use it with just one course. Each time you have a research need you'll learn something new. Here are ways to find out more once you arrive at Trent.

University Transitions Sessions

During ISW you'll have the option of attending a Library session that provides a brief view of the website, the resources, and a tour of the Bata Library. The session takes about an hour and you'll have three timeslots to choose from.

This session does NOT cover as much material as the online summer Library Orientation Program. It is, however, very popular and the room is often filled past capacity. You may not get in.

If you've already completed the Library Orientation Program for new students, you don't need to attend this session. So take the program ahead of time and use your Transitions sessions for other valuable opportunities.

Library Workshops

In the fall we offer a variety of short workshops - about a half hour each. The schedule will be listed online. These classes will be offered for a limited time at the beginning of the year. Some classes cover the same information as the Library Orientation Program and some cover new topics.

The Library Website

Everything you want to know about the library is found on the website at www.trentu.ca/library. You'll find;

The library website is always where you start your research, whether you're at home or in our building.

Help in the Library

Both the Bata branch and Oshawa branch of the library offer assistance with your research problems. A Help Desk is located just inside the door, staffed with people who can offer advice. Questions and comments on anything to do with the Trent Library can also be sent to libraryhelp@trentu.ca.