Following the completion of an extensive $2.1 million renovation of The D.R. Glass Library, constructed in 1948, the campus staple has officially reopened to continue fostering student success. In its latest state, the library makes rich academic resources available, delivers the tools to find the resources, offers information literacy instruction, and assists students in their efforts to turn newfound knowledge into scholarly coursework. The structure is features ergonomic furnishings, four classrooms equipped with technological access via portable large interactive screens, as well as small study carousels throughout the building for individual access and study. The D.R. Glass Library provides reliable internet and computer access, which will be further enhanced after the installation of the CAT 6 wiring provided through the CMC/NTIA Grant funding.
Students studying at a distance, as well as those engaged in "face-to- face" learning participate in interactive training with the librarian through introductory courses, which have expanded to provide research information utilizing Texas College's subscription-based databases. Faculty are also engaged with training to learn professional search techniques and skills, as well as how to use specific databases.
Textbook access is also being expanded this fall through an agreement with Redshelf, an electronic textbook provider experienced in the swift and effortless transition from traditional print to more affordable, efficient, and engaging digital course materials. The RedShelf platform for Texas College will provide e-textbooks, or ebooks, seamlessly on the JICS Portal at no cost to students this academic year. The RedShelf platform is equipped to provide equity to students through the following features:
- Highlight, take notes, and share with classmates;
- Define unfamiliar words;
- Create Flashcards;
- Build study guides for individual review and test preparation;
- Generate citations in APA, MLA and Chicago for research writing;
- Have text read aloud;
- Provide a select section of pages to be printed; and
- Availability on any device.
The texts are currently being programmed through the JICS Learning Management System, and use of the ebooks through the portal are proposed to begin within the next month.
