Follow Hekman Library Online!
Welcome to Students!
This guide is an orientation to Hekman Library's services and resources for Calvin University students, both online and on-campus. Keep reading to get answers to all your questions about accessing materials and getting more help from your online librarians!
Remember, always go through the library website to get electronic resources like ebooks or ejournal articles - just Googling any of our databases won't provide free access, like we do! To view the full text for our library resources, you may be prompted by the library system to log with your Calvin ID and passphrase if you are a Calvin University student (Calvin Seminary students should follow the alternative instructions). If you ever have any issues or questions about getting access to online resources, always ask a librarian for help.
Video Intro to the Library
For Online Students
For On-campus Students: New Video coming soon!
Important Library Resources - Quick Links
- Hekman Library Primo SearchSearch the library catalog and major databases at the same time
- Hekman Library CatalogFind books (print and online) at Hekman
- A-Z Database ListBrowse our full list of specific databases - find them by name or by subject
Library How-To Videos
New to the library? Need some help with finding things? Click above to watch Hekman How-to videos on Youtube (more videos coming soon as the library reopens)!
Help at Hekman
[Photo of research librarian team, taken by Will Katerberg, 2024]
The library offers personal research help in several different ways (online, in person, etc.), answering all kinds of questions. Both on and off-campus, there are librarians available and eager to help you! If you prefer in-person help, visit our Research Assistance Desk on 3rd floor to talk with our librarians and student research consultants, or see our check-out desk for questions about your library account and item requests. For more online help, check out the links below to find multiple ways of contacting the library:
- Live ChatJust a quick question? Check out our 24/7 Live Chat box on the library's homepage and other places on our site. (Note that sometimes this chat service is staffed by Hekman librarians and other times by librarians at other colleges or universities.)
- Meet with a Librarian One-on-OneWhen you need more in-depth research help, make an appointment with a librarian in-person or via Teams. Not sure who to talk to? You can find a list of all the librarians, their subject specialties, and their contact info on the library website.
- Research GuidesWant to start your research on your own, but unsure where to begin? Check out our research guides, which give an introduction to doing research in the major areas of study at Calvin! These guides include recommended research databases, reference resources, and other advice; they also highlight the librarian who works with that department.
Connect with Other Resources
- Rhetoric CenterThe Rhetoric Center's expert writing consulting service is also available for in-person or online appointments. Find their schedule on their webpage or email the RC at rhetoric@calvin.edu.
- Career CenterThe Career Center has all the help you need preparing for the workforce and graduate school, with job search resources, resume and interview prep, and career advise. Click here to explore more.
- Student SuccessSign up for a tutor for academic support in most 100/200 classes or coaching on study habits, healthy mindset, and other skills for success - virtual meetings and appointments available!
- Grand Rapids Public LibraryDid you know you can get a library card at the Grand Rapids Public Library? Sign up online and get access to their awesome streaming services, audio and ebooks, and request to pick up books too!