NEW ALBANY, IN, (April 4, 2013) – The IU Southeast Library is trying a new twist on library tradition: rather than waiting for students to visit the reference desk, librarians are bringing the resources straight to students.

The IU Southeast Library recently began its new “Roving Reference” initiative. Roving Reference is a program that sends librarians to various parts of campus with electronic tablets and allows students to ask research questions, reference questions, and look up books that are currently in the library – all without setting foot inside the Library building.

“It’s a trend in academic libraries that we’ve decided to try out,” Maria Accardi, Library coordinator of instruction said. “It’s designed to help students take advantage of our online resources.”

The reference centers will be located in the computer lab in the lobby of the top floor of Knobview Hall, as well as the computer lab on the first floor of the University Center. The staff will have both iPads and Google Nexus tablets at their fingertips to bring students fast and relevant information.

Students can continue accessing reference materials by visiting the Library, Roving Reference is simply seeking to provide students with another option.

The Library is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.  Roving Reference librarians will be in the labs Monday through Thursday, hours may vary.