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Research Help

Our librarians are here to assist you with all of your research needs.

We can help you with your research by explaining how to use the library and where to find the information you need whether it be for an assignment, project or topic of interest. Please consult our basic library FAQ page or contact us using one of the options below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask a Librarian

Get in touch with us in one of the following ways.

Find & borrow from Van Wylen

Meet Your Librarians + Your Archivists

Get to know each librarian and archivist, along with their subject specialties.

Communication
Education • Political Science
Psychology
Todd

My skill set ranges from performing old-school skateboarding tricks to drumming classic thrash metal beats. As a librarian, I can search databases and chew gum at the same time.

Meet with Todd →
Director of Archives and Special Collections
Sarah

I'm a Francophile and coffee nerd. I also love to cook and go on walks with my dog, Winston. Participating in 3 book clubs gives me a good excuse to frequently browse at used bookstores.

Meet with Sarah →
Collections Archivist
Charlotte

I’ve lived all over the midwest and found that nowhere is better than Michigan. I have many creative outlets—singing, cooking tasty meals, and sewing gifts for my family, friends and, of course, my dog!

Meet with Charlotte →
Biology • Chemistry Computer Science
Engineering • Geology
Math • Nursing • Physics
Jenny

I like being in nature and have a goal of hiking/walking 500 miles this year. In my free time I enjoy playing board games (especially Eurogames), taking photos, and visiting new places.

Meet with Jenny →
Dean of Libraries
Kristin

Loves hiking, kayaking, and gardening and finds delight in moss and trees. I also enjoy teaching yoga, reading the great Christian contemplatives, and Family Game Night.

Meet with Kristin →
Technical Services
Computers • Systems
Brian

I have useless but encyclopedic knowledge of Post-Punk and "alternative" music and enjoy going to concerts and collecting vinyl. One of my favorite things to do is training my German Shepherd.

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Electronic Resources
Serials • Technology
Jen

I enjoy traveling, hiking, playing Euchre, and needle crafts. I love Spain; walking the Camino is on my bucket list.

Meet with Jen →
Technical Services
Cataloging • Metadata
Digital Collections
Jeremy

Film fan and amateur PC gamer. Fond of William Gibson and Dune novels, science fiction and detective stories, Britpop, and cups of tea.

Meet with Jeremy →
Economics & Business
Kinesiology • Social Work
Sociology
Rachel

Michigan Native, visited 48 states, I've been skydiving, scuba diving and I've run half marathons in US, Iceland & Ireland. My favorite place is being out on Lake Michigan!

Meet with Rachel →
English • History World Languages & Cultures Philosophy • Religion
Michael

I survived the Running of the Bulls in Spain, and trekked across Iceland. Two places that are special to me are Saint-Malo, France and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Meet with Michael →
Art • Dance
Music • Theatre
Jessica

I enjoy board games, singing, and reading to my kids. Lakeside vacations are my happy place. Ask me about my Iron Chef Dinner parties.

Meet with Jessica →