In undertaking this work, library staff provide a large number of services and information resources in all departments of the Main Library and departmental libraries. User services include reference consultation and electronic reference services, computer-assisted literature searching and various instructional programs. Instructional programs vary from basic introductory sessions to those focused on specialized resources or subjects. In addition, librarians are available throughout the year to provide presentations on library resources to classes and offer specialized assistance in advanced seminars. The introductory session teaches basic author, title, subject, and keyword searching.
Advanced sessions place greater emphasis on complex keyword searching.
These workshops are held at a variety of times each semester. The Main Library also houses the Information Arcade , an interactive information learning center. The purpose of the Information Arcade is to facilitate the integration of electronic information resources into teaching and research. In the Arcade, UI students, faculty, and staff can find a variety of resources for learning advanced information retrieval skills and for acquiring, manipulating, and analyzing information in various formats. The Arcade provides access to a wide range of electronic source materials, with an emphasis on textual and multimedia databases.