This guide was developed to help you start your research on a Sociology related topic. Each of the tabs above have information about different types of library resources and services. There is also a link to my chatbox and email form for questions you may have.

Criminal Justice

Social Work

Information about what can be found on each floor of the Alkek Library:

2nd Floor

Second Floor Map

Reference Desk

• This is where you go to get help with research.
• Reference Desk Hours can be found here.

Circulation Desk

• This is where you go to check out books.  
• Loan Periods for students, faculty & staff.
• You can also check-out laptops and request a Texshare Card here.
• This is the place you go to clear holds on your account.

Workstations and Printers

• Access Internet and Microsoft production software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and etc.) on all but a few of the computers.
• If you have problems printing, there is a printer help station or you can ask for help at the Reference desk.

3rd Floor

Third Floor Map

Reserve, Periodicals and Media Desk

• Print copies of reserve items (books, old tests, articles, etc.).
• There are also dvds, cds, and other types of materials like 3-D objects.
• You can check the Reserve collection to see if something is on reserve. Search by course or professor's last name.
• You can ask questions about periodicals or the media collection.  The staff can also assist you with issues relating to the equipment (like the microform/fiche readers).
  

Newspapers, Current Magazines and Journals

• Current issues shelved alphabetically by title of periodical.
• Older issues are bound together by volume or replaced by microfilm/fiche.(You'll need a call number to locate bound or microform periodicals.
  

Older Periodicals

• 1960-present are on the 3rd floor, if bound.
• Older than 1960 are kept in the regular collection, and can be found by their call number.

Microfilm/fiche and Readers

• Use these to look at journals on microfilm or microfiche.
• Assistance is available.
• Copies are .10/page or use the new DIGITAL scanner/reader. (USB drive is necessary to save articles.)
  

KIC Scanner

• This scanner allows you to scan and then either email the document to yourself or save it to a USB drive.

4th Floor

Fourth Floor Map

Computer Lab

• The Computer Lab provides both PC and Macintosh hardware, with a more extensive software collection than most computers on most Library computers.  Software includes Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and SPSS. 
  
• You'll need to check in at the Computer Lab desk and leave your student ID.

Government Information/Maps/Curriculum Materials

• Alkek Library is a Federal and State depository for government documents.
• The area has lots of good stuff, like maps, and the special map printer/plotter.
• It's also where you can check out textbooks used in the Texas public schools (elementary and high school).

SLAC

• Student Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring and writing assistance.
• SLAC posts its schedule of tutors and subjects online.

Floors 5, 6, & 7

• Most of the books and other materials you can check out of the library are on these floors.
• Individual & group study rooms are also available on these floors.
• The 5th & 6th floors are designated as the "quiet floors." 

Request a card online through this TexShare Card request form or sign up in person at the Circulation Desk.

• Texshare cards allow you borrowing privileges at many local libraries, including the following participating libraries
• All current students and employees are eligible.
• Cards are valid for an entire semester.
• Materials must be returned to the same library from which they were borrowed.
• You are responsible for any charges for lost or damaged materials. 
• Students that do not return items will have "holds" attached to their records that prevent you from registering for classes, obtain transcripts or grades, etc.
• For questions about TexShare contact the Circulation desk at 512.245.3681 or via email