ETSU’s Charles C. Sherrod Library is a hub of student resources and activity. All four floors are filled with books, study rooms, student workers, library staff, librarians, snacks, and lounge areas. If you are a student who can’t come to campus and visit the library, that’s no problem. The library’s website is every bit as lively and bustling as the building itself, meaning that ETSU’s library can (virtually) come to you...minus the snacks and lounge areas, of course!

Students enrolled in online classes can easily connect with librarians and classmates and access a wide range of digital resources, all just a few clicks away. In fact, ETSU has a librarian dedicated to distance learning students!

Jonathan Wilson, Outreach and Distance Library Services Coordinator and Assistant Professor, not only visits other ETSU campus locations (including Kingsport, Sevierville, Chattanooga, and a cohort at Pellissippi State community College), he coordinates library access for online students – ensuring you have everything you need to be successful in your classes and assignments.  

“Many online students are balancing coursework with jobs, families, and other responsibilities, so having flexible, reliable access to library support can make a real difference in their academic experience,” Jonathan said. “I enjoy helping students navigate research challenges in a virtual environment and finding ways to make the process feel approachable and manageable. Even though the interaction happens online, it’s still very personal."

The Distance Education/Online Library Resources and Services webpage is a great starting point to connect with Mr. Wilson and find what you need. On this page, you can:

  • Contact Mr. Wilson via email or phone.  
  • Get real-time chat support from a library representative (7:30 am-9:00 pm, daily).  
  • Meet with a Library Ambassador, trained students offering research help to other students. Current ETSU students can join a Zoom meeting online during the listed dates/times.  
  • Schedule an online consultation for in-depth, individual assistance with library research.
  • Watch tutorial videos from Sherrod Library’s YouTube channel, including virtual orientation, evaluating sources, and navigating databases.
  • Register for a workshop. Workshops are Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm via Zoom. Registration is required. This semester, sample topics include ChatGPT Isn't a Librarian: Making AI Work for You, Citation Managers: What Are They and Which Is Best for You?, and Design Academic Posters to Impress Your Audience.

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Whether you need on-the-spot help, a scheduled meeting, or self-guided materials for navigating research and other library services, ETSU’s librarians, staff, and student workers are ready to assist.  

“Librarians work to support students through a mix of real-time chat, scheduled consultations, research guides, and video tutorials because students have different needs, learning styles, and schedules...Offering multiple forms of support ensures that all students, especially those learning online, can access help in ways that work best for them,” Jonathan said.

The library’s home page is another launching point worth mentioning. From the library’s homepage, you can access additional self-guided resources, including:

Writing and Citation Tools. This webpage features overviews of all the major writing styles, citation managers, and also outlines recommended styles by discipline. Students can find structure, clarity, and academic confidence with these online options.  

Research Guides. Find how-tos and tutorials to support your research efforts. Plus – you can choose from a list featuring many majors that have their own major-specific guides!

OneSearch. Search databases, eBooks, and more, all in one place.

Students enrolled in online classes have ETSU-provided access to countless digital collections, including e-books, scholarly journals, streaming media, and research databases. And the best part is, almost all of these services and resources can be used 24/7, giving you the flexibility to study when you need it!