Students Teaching Students at Grinnell College Libraries

Have you ever needed to know how many books you had checked out from the library, or which database to use for a particular subject or class?

The Libraries have trained the 40+ students already working at service desks in Burling (circulation, Listening Room, and the Iowa Room) and Kistle Science Libraries to serve as Peer Information Advisors (PIAs). These students, as well as their desk supervisors, can now help with a range of commonly asked research questions—such as the two listed above.

The Libraries have also trained three students as Reference Assistants (or RAs) who can help with more advanced research inquires. Look for our RAs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Burling’s reference desk; the RAs will also be available from 10 pm-12 midnight on Sunday thru Thursday evenings.

And please send any comments or suggestions on these new services to Phil Jones [jonesphi] or Beth Bohstedt [bohstedt].