Library Homepage: Reference & Instruction

Our goal is to connect with you, so you can succeed!

Librarians at Honolulu Community College provide reference and research assistance. In addition to their professionalism and knowledge, they help students and faculty explore and understand the library’s collections and services in person, by phone, and online.

In addition to answering individual research questions, librarians provide tours, visit classes, lead workshops, and may sponsor presentations throughout the year.

The library's instructional program plays a vital role in the campus' information literacy outcomes. Teaching librarians work closely with faculty to combine research instruction with course specific assignments. Each instruction session is customized to a specific class, so even if students have received instruction in another course, there are many benefits to reinforcing key research concepts again. Assessment tools, such as in-class exercises, group work, and questionnaires, are integrated into library instruction. Librarians also create and maintain a useful collection online research guides that support its teaching.

Scheduling Information Literacy Instruction [Faculty] 

• Faculty who wish to schedule library instruction are encouraged to contact librarians at the Reference Desk. Phone (808) 845-9199; Email honcclib@hawaii.edu.
• Library research sessions may be requested for off-campus locations to serve distance education and remote courses. See also, Distance Education Library Services.
• It is advisable to schedule library instruction sessions in advance, as the teaching calendar fills up quickly. Please be prepared with an alternate date in mind, in case the preferred date is unavailable.

Tips for a Successful Session

• Provide librarians a copy of the class assignment, so they can prepare a relevant, informative, and interesting presentation. Discuss with the librarian specific objectives for the research session by sharing potential topics and requesting relevant e-resources.
• Timing is important, since librarians find that students retain information best when it is tied to an assignment they are preparing for or currently working on.
• Accompany the class to the library for the instructional session. Students are usually more motivated and engaged when their instructor participates.

Individual or Small Group Instruction

• Individual students or small groups (2-6 students) who need research assistance may schedule a session with a librarian by visiting the Reference Desk.

Contact Us

• Reference & Information Desk Phone: (808) 845-9199
• Library Email: honcclib@hawaii.edu

Reserve materials are short term loans of course textbooks, handouts, DVDs, and study guides that instructors have placed "on reserve" in the library.

Students

• Inquire at the Circulation Counter to see if we have texts for a specific course.
• Request reserve materials from the Circulation Counter with a valid UH ID card.
• Provide the course title and number (i.e. Math 100) along with the instructor's name.
• Loan limit: One (1) item out at a time, except study guides that accompany a textbook.
• Most reserves are short term loans used within the library. This practice allows all students equal access to course materials.  

Faculty

• Please fill out and print the Reserve Form (pdf) below. Bring it with your course materials to Circulation Services for processing. 
• Library-owned materials (books, DVDs, etc.) may be placed on reserve.
• The library accepts personal copies of books and other materials. Faculty assume the responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of such copies by borrowers.
• Faculty are responsible for obtaining copyright clearance for their course materials.
• Processing of reserve materials may take up to a week depending on library staff work load; faculty are encouraged to submit items well in advance for availability.