Since 2004 Hekman Library has employed highly-trained students to help their peers with research and quick reference questions.

This year we have seven Library Research Consultants, or LRCs. They represent a wide range of majors and of experience. We do not employ first-year students for this position, because a fairly high-level of library research expertise is expected.

Two of our students are sophomores, one is a junior, three are seniors, and one is a doctoral student at Calvin Theological Seminary.

The group meets twice a week for continual training. Many LRCs are assigned a semester or year-long research project and matched up with a librarian mentor. The research projects are on topics related to Hekman Library's programs and goals and to the professional interests of the librarians.

The librarians also work at the Research Desk. In the mornings, though, they are on call, while an LRC sits at the desk. The LRCs staff the desk on their own in the evenings. Don't hesitate to come to them for help. If they can't answer your question completely, they will refer you to someone who can.