1.0 OVERVIEW

The Reference Department is located on the first floor of the Robert James Terry Library. The main Information Desk is located I this area with a professional librarian on duty fifty percent of the operating hours to assist library users.

2.0 COLLECTION

The Reference Collection consists of a wealth of information. The collection includes reference books arranged in an alphanumeric arrangement by the Library of Congress Classification System. The collection can be accessed by utilizing the Geac Online Public Catalog. Abstracts and indexes are arranged alphabetically by title. Access to the TexShare electronic databases is provided on a number of workstations in the area. TexShare is a cooperative program designed to improve library service to Texans. Members include public and academic libraries.

3.0 LIBRARY INSTRUCTION AND ORIENTATION

Faculty members are encouraged to schedule library tours for their classes. The purpose of these tours is to demonstrate specific library print and electronic resources available to support the instructional program.

To schedule or obtain information about library tours, call the Reference/Information Desk at (713) 313-7402 during opening hours of the library. Appointments for library tours should be made by Wednesday of the week before the tour.

4.0 STATE AND FEDERAL DOCUMENTS

4.1 Introduction:

Government documents are publications that are printed at government expense or published by authority of a governmental body (i.e. federal, state, county or municipal).

Government documents are published on every subject, and reading level. Materials include annual reports, university catalogs, directories, research reports, budgets, statistics, laws, magazines, maps and atlases, in addition to a wealth of resource materials in a broad spectrum of subject disciplines, the currency of the information is a valuable feature.

4.2 Goals:

To provide federal and state documents to the university community; to promote the use of government documents in supporting the curriculum of the university; to act as a depository library for State of Texas documents; and to insure maximum public access to federal and state information.

4.3 Services to Users:

Personal assistance is provided to users in locating federal and Texas documents. Maximum access to government information is available through the Geac Public Online Catalog and Monthly Catalog.

Texas documents and federal documents must be utilized in the library. Copy machines are provided.

4.40 HOUSTON AREA RESEARCH LIBRARY CONSORTIUM (HARLiC)

4.4.1 HARLiC Card:

The Houston Area Research Consortium (HARLiC) provides a program that allows eligible library users access to the collections of member libraries. HARLiC members are

• Houston Public Library
• Prairie View A & M University
• Rice University
• Texas A & M University
• Houston Academy of Medicine, Texas Medical Center
• University of Houston, University Park
• University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston

4.4.2 Qualifications for HARLiC Card:

A full time faculty, a doctoral students in the phase of writing his/her dissertation, or a Pharm.D. student.

4.4.3 HARLiC Card Request Procedure:

A faculty member must present a current TSU identification card. A doctoral student must present a current TSU identification card and a current paid fee receipt, which will indicate the course Research for Dissertation/999. Students enrolled in the Pharm.D. are identified by a list provided by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; however, the student must present his/her current TSU identification card. Apply at the Reference Desk, first floor, Robert James Terry Library.