IN THE SPOTLIGHT: DEL MAR COLLEGE LIBRARIES
Welcome to Viking News’ In the Spotlight, a new Q&A series highlighting how Del Mar College departments, programs, and offices are using technology and innovation to enhance services, strengthen partnerships, and improve student success.
Each post “spotlights” a different author sharing – in their own words – how these advancements shape their work and benefit our Viking community.
DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE: JENNIFER JIMENEZ-PEREZ
Associate Professor of Learning Resources and Head of Technical Services
Del Mar College Libraries
Q: How are advancements in technology and platforms changing how your area delivers services or instruction?
A: Let’s not forget that libraries are much more than books. Libraries are constantly evolving, and DMC Libraries makes sure to incorporate various new hardware, software, and eResources into our spaces. Most of our resources, whether journal articles, magazines, streaming video, or ebooks, are available through online databases.
Q: What is the most impactful innovation you’ve implemented, and what problem did it solve?
A: DMC Libraries works on many developments on the backend so our users can get a more functional, user-friendly interface for students to conduct their research and receive a prompter response on services and resources. Probably the most impactful technology DMC Libraries implemented has been our discovery service, Valdar’s Discovery, which searches all the library resources in one place.
Q: How has this innovation improved student success?
A: Library use has a direct correlation to student success. By working with our highly skilled librarians and staff on general Del Mar College questions or in-depth research queries, DMC Libraries provides students with a broad variety of tools, strategies, and avenues guiding them through their Del Mar College and educational journey. Particularly, Valdar’s Discovery speeds up the research process for students and helps identify potential sources for their coursework.
Q: How has technology helped you build or strengthen partnerships with employers, schools, or other organizations, and how do these connections support the region’s workforce and economic growth?
A: From high-tech equipment available in library classrooms and study spaces to librarians and staff visiting with members of the DMC and larger community, DMC Libraries plays an important role using various technological resources to aid with instruction and learning of DMC students, faculty, staff, and community members. Various internal and external organizations take part in using these resources by hosting events and training scenarios onsite, such as a recent Cyber Security Summit for example.
Q: Looking ahead, what advancements do you foresee impacting your area, and what new skills will DMC graduates need?
A: The William F. White, Jr. Library is excited for our makerspace, the D.M.C. Lab, opening soon! We anticipate a soft opening with only a few pieces of equipment available to our students, staff, and faculty that will include a laser engraver and 3D printer in early fall 2026l. Over time we will have a large format printer, 3D scanner, embroidery machine, sewing machine, and possibly other equipment down the road.
Q: If talking to a prospective student, what are the top benefits or opportunities you’d highlight about your program or service?
A: Heritage Campus has a newly renovated library, Oso Creek Campus has a new library, and Windward Campus’ library, the Barth Learning Resource Center, is undergoing some floor plan changes to better suit the needs of our students. Various study zones are available in our libraries such as silent study, quiet study, social study, and study rooms. Using DMC Libraries also provides the benefit of various subscription resources available both on campus and online to find scholarly journals, newspaper sources, and film. However, don’t forget about the free books!
Additional information
Locations (access online directions and campus maps):
- William F. White, Jr. Library, Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404)
- Barth Learning Resources Center, Windward Campus, 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. (78405)
- Camus Library, Main Central Building, Oso Creek Campus, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414)
Web link: delmar.edu/library/index.html
Phone: 361-698-1310
Email: refdesk@delmar.edu
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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