Hubs of help on campus

If research papers, projects and final exams are causing stress, and going to the library… If research papers, projects and final exams are causing stress, and going to the library seems less than appealing, there is finally a solution.

The University Library System has developed a way to solve this common problem, with a new service called HelpHub.

The HelpHubs will be located in three popular areas throughout campus, so as to be as easily accessible to students as possible. Each area will be open on a different day, between 6 and 9 p.m.

One will be located in the Petersen Events Center food court and will be open on Mondays through April 12. Another will be open on the second floor of Posvar Hall each Tuesday through April 13. And the third one will be in the Cathedral of Learning’s common area each Wednesday from tomorrow until April 14.

Librarians will be available at each location with laptops to access the wireless networks in the buildings in which they are located. Each HelpHub will be digitally linked to make gaining access to library information quick and easy.

HelpHubs will allow the conventional way of doing research to be taken out of the library and brought to the students in a more painless manner. They will also allow students to brush up on their information-seeking and evaluation skills.

According to Marian Hampton, a library employee, “HelpHub personnel will be ready to assist students with library questions, research assignments, accessing library resources and finding the information they need.”

Although Harvard University has a program similar to HelpHub, Pitt is the first school in the area to try it out.

Hampton said, “I would think that some other libraries are trying something like HelpHub given the growth of wireless networks.”

Sophomore Dennis Havriliak said, “I think this is a great idea, because sometimes it is inconvenient to make it to the library, and this will make doing research much easier.”

If the HelpHubs seem to be popular with students, more could show up throughout campus next year.

“We’re hoping that with a strong student response, the HelpHub program will grow and expand to other sites next fall,” Hampton said.