Peer Research Consultants (PRCs) are back for spring semester!
The Peer Research Consultants provide one-on-one assistance to students to help them develop the research strategies needed to find sources for an excellent research paper.
We have drop-in hours in Wilson, Walter or in MCAE in Appleby Hall or students can make an appointment. *NEW this semester* is weekend hours at Wilson Library.
Check schedule on the "Course Resources" tab or http://www.lib.umn.edu/services/prc.
What are the PRCs?
The Peer Research Consultants provide one-on-one assistance to students to help them develop the research strategies needed for an excellent research paper. They can give students an overview of using the libraries for research, formulating a paper topic and search, helping students to find scholarly articles, books, and more. They are upper-level undergraduates who have gone through 10+ hours of training on using the libraries and helping students to do the same.
But why do we need both PRCs and librarians?
We know from the research, that undergraduates and especially first year students can be intimidated by the libraries and librarians. The PRCs work on a peer tutor model that is successful for a variety of disciplines. Often, first year students prefer to work with a fellow student than a librarian, who can be seen as an authority figure. The PRCs guide students to the subject librarians when needed and make it easier for students to set up that interaction.
What do students have to say about the PRCs?
"She was very helpful when I was looking for specific information on the library website. She explained the website very well and gave excellent tips!"
"He was very helpful in helping me figure out what I wanted to write my paper on and where I could find the sources. Afterwards I was able to understand my paper."
"Approachable advising that assisted me with furthering my research goals; very useful."
What do instructors have to say about the PRCs?
"...one of my students came in raving about his experience with the peer research consultants....Since then a couple more students have made visits and in their emails to me, I see that their research focus is improving. This is a great service!"
The University of Minnesota Libraries have partnered with the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence and the SMART Learning Commons to provide the PRC Program.
For an MCAE Schedule call 612.6246386