Hekman Library: Get Connected! with Hekman Library: Home

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.

Let's get started with a quick intro to the Hekman Library:

(Click on the thumbnails below to view either the on-campus or online videos)

Video Intro to the Library

For Online Students

For On-Campus Students

Important Library Resources - Quick Links

Library Catalog - find books at Hekman, including online

Find Research Databases - search for a specific database or browse by subject

Electronic journal locator - quick access to Hekman's online journals

Library How-To Videos

Let's walk through some of the basic research skills and resources you'll use through Hekman Library online with these video tutorials (see tabs above).

You can find all these and new ones added frequently to the Hekman Library Youtube channel, including our playlist of short Hekman How-To videos, which covers how to locate library items in the building and online, how to make the best use of databases, and more!

Look up books and other items in the library collection by searching online.

Looking for online books for your classes? Find them through the library catalog or ebook databases.

What is SearchStart? The perfect tool to look up books and articles for your research at the same time.

Looking for a book Hekman doesn't own? You can use MeL to request items from other libraries for free.

Help at Hekman

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 the 2nd floor, open this fall from 9am-10pm, Monday-Friday) to talk with our librarians and student research consultants, or see our 2nd floor circulation 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 Chat and Text
Just a quick question? Check out the Live Chat box on the Hekman homepage; if it's lit up, a librarian is available and you can instant message us, or text at 616-214-3355. If it's unavailable, you can still click there to browse our FAQ or leave a message for a our staff, and we'll respond to you on our next business day.
Meet with a Librarian One-on-One
When 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 Guides
Want 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. Browse our full list for subject, class, and resource/collection guides here.

Connect with Other Resources

Rhetoric Center
The Rhetoric Center's expert writing consulting service, located in the library building, is now also available for online appointments - use this link to schedule or email the RC at rhetoric@calvin.edu
Nexus
Another great service you can find in the library building on the main floor, Nexus provides peer financial counseling for walk-ins or appointments.
Career Center
The 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 Success
Sign 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 Library
Did 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!