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If you\u2019re a student about to go to college, then perhaps you\u2019ve scanned college orientation websites and social media feeds for glimpses of your new life. As a\u00a0college librarian<\/a>, I believe you should explore your college library, too.<\/p>\nThis is based on countless discussions I\u2019ve had with graduating college seniors who told me they regret they didn\u2019t learn more about the library back in their first year of college. To help students avoid a similar fate, here are four things to know about libraries now.<\/p>\n
1. Libraries can save you money on course readings<\/strong><\/h4>\nAccording to the College Board, colleges estimate that students spend approximately\u00a0$1,200 per year on books and supplies<\/a>. Students can cut down on that cost by borrowing books from the library instead of purchasing them from a bookstore.<\/p>\nLibrary staff\u00a0work hard to make textbooks more affordable<\/a>. One of the things we\u2019re doing is putting assigned readings on reserve.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s \u201creserve\u201d? It\u2019s a place where we keep course materials that faculty request for their classes. The print reserves collection is for physical books and, in some cases, printed \u201ccoursepacks\u201d \u2013 which are photocopies of readings that have been bound together like a paperback book. Usually you\u2019ll be able to check out reserve items for a few hours at a time. Sometimes the library will have several copies of each title.<\/p>\n
In most libraries you\u2019ll find print reserves at the circulation desk. The circulation desk is the place where all books are checked out, and it\u2019s usually near the library entrance.<\/p>\n
Many libraries also offer electronic reserves, with e-books and digital copies of book chapters and journal articles. You\u2019ll usually find a link to electronic reserves on the library homepage.<\/p>\n
Not all faculty members use reserves, so you\u2019ll need to sleuth out how to find books and articles elsewhere in the library, too. Go to the library website and look for a link to the catalog, where you\u2019ll find the titles and locations of all the books that the library owns.<\/p>\n
For articles, look instead for links to journal indexes and databases. Unfortunately, these may be labeled with a variety of different names. You can always ask a librarian for advice.<\/p>\n
2. Using the library can help you earn better grades<\/strong><\/h4>\nResearch has shown that students who use the library\u00a0tend to have higher GPAs than those who don\u2019t<\/a>. For this reason, it\u2019s helpful to overcome any\u00a0library anxiety<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 a term that describes the discomfort some people experience when they imagine walking into a library that is larger or more complex than any to which they are accustomed.<\/p>\nOne of the best ways to overcome library anxiety is to get to know the library staff. Librarians regularly teach students how to find and use library resources. Educators who analyze student outcomes have found that making connections with staff and faculty bolsters students\u2019 social capital, and\u00a0social capital helps students succeed<\/a>. Social capital is an asset that you earn by having a connection with another person.<\/p>\nMost librarians are accessible via email, chat or in person.<\/p>\n
3. Libraries offer ideas for study breaks<\/strong><\/h4>\nStudying all night might seem efficient, but it doesn\u2019t always work. Cognitive science says that when you memorize something, then set it aside, you\u2019re\u00a0helping your brain absorb the new information<\/a>. You can start to envision potential study breaks at the library now.<\/p>\nBrowse the library events calendar for yoga classes and stress-management workshops. Search the library catalog for self-help books, graphic novels and blockbuster movies. Follow the library\u2019s social media feed and be alerted to stress-buster activities with board games, crafts and even cuddly puppies.<\/p>\n
Since\u00a0libraries now provide resources and services<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0promote student well-being<\/a>, it\u2019s easier than ever to take a study break when you\u2019re at the library.<\/p>\n4. Get a job at the library to become a library expert<\/h4>\n
College can be expensive,\u00a0even for students who receive financial aid<\/a>. While some campus jobs make it difficult to\u00a0carve out enough hours for both homework and paid work<\/a>, library jobs can help you combine these two essential endeavors. When you work at the library, you\u2019ll get paid to learn how to use the library. Then, you can apply what you learn in your classes.<\/p>\nGo to the college\u2019s student employment website to search for part-time jobs at the library. There\u2019s often a lot of competition, so be sure to contact the hiring manager at the library, too. If there aren\u2019t any openings now, ask if your name can be put on a list to be considered for jobs in the future.<\/p>\n
Students who work at libraries can\u00a0list many benefits of their jobs<\/a>. Students who staff service desks are taught how to use such essential library resources as the library catalog, article databases and interlibrary loan. They become power library users. They often tell me that they\u2019re the go-to experts among their friends.<\/p>\n
Library staff\u00a0work hard to make textbooks more affordable<\/a>. One of the things we\u2019re doing is putting assigned readings on reserve.<\/p>\n What\u2019s \u201creserve\u201d? It\u2019s a place where we keep course materials that faculty request for their classes. The print reserves collection is for physical books and, in some cases, printed \u201ccoursepacks\u201d \u2013 which are photocopies of readings that have been bound together like a paperback book. Usually you\u2019ll be able to check out reserve items for a few hours at a time. Sometimes the library will have several copies of each title.<\/p>\n In most libraries you\u2019ll find print reserves at the circulation desk. The circulation desk is the place where all books are checked out, and it\u2019s usually near the library entrance.<\/p>\n Many libraries also offer electronic reserves, with e-books and digital copies of book chapters and journal articles. You\u2019ll usually find a link to electronic reserves on the library homepage.<\/p>\n Not all faculty members use reserves, so you\u2019ll need to sleuth out how to find books and articles elsewhere in the library, too. Go to the library website and look for a link to the catalog, where you\u2019ll find the titles and locations of all the books that the library owns.<\/p>\n For articles, look instead for links to journal indexes and databases. Unfortunately, these may be labeled with a variety of different names. You can always ask a librarian for advice.<\/p>\n Research has shown that students who use the library\u00a0tend to have higher GPAs than those who don\u2019t<\/a>. For this reason, it\u2019s helpful to overcome any\u00a0library anxiety<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 a term that describes the discomfort some people experience when they imagine walking into a library that is larger or more complex than any to which they are accustomed.<\/p>\n One of the best ways to overcome library anxiety is to get to know the library staff. Librarians regularly teach students how to find and use library resources. Educators who analyze student outcomes have found that making connections with staff and faculty bolsters students\u2019 social capital, and\u00a0social capital helps students succeed<\/a>. Social capital is an asset that you earn by having a connection with another person.<\/p>\n Most librarians are accessible via email, chat or in person.<\/p>\n Studying all night might seem efficient, but it doesn\u2019t always work. Cognitive science says that when you memorize something, then set it aside, you\u2019re\u00a0helping your brain absorb the new information<\/a>. You can start to envision potential study breaks at the library now.<\/p>\n Browse the library events calendar for yoga classes and stress-management workshops. Search the library catalog for self-help books, graphic novels and blockbuster movies. Follow the library\u2019s social media feed and be alerted to stress-buster activities with board games, crafts and even cuddly puppies.<\/p>\n Since\u00a0libraries now provide resources and services<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0promote student well-being<\/a>, it\u2019s easier than ever to take a study break when you\u2019re at the library.<\/p>\n College can be expensive,\u00a0even for students who receive financial aid<\/a>. While some campus jobs make it difficult to\u00a0carve out enough hours for both homework and paid work<\/a>, library jobs can help you combine these two essential endeavors. When you work at the library, you\u2019ll get paid to learn how to use the library. Then, you can apply what you learn in your classes.<\/p>\n Go to the college\u2019s student employment website to search for part-time jobs at the library. There\u2019s often a lot of competition, so be sure to contact the hiring manager at the library, too. If there aren\u2019t any openings now, ask if your name can be put on a list to be considered for jobs in the future.<\/p>\n Students who work at libraries can\u00a0list many benefits of their jobs<\/a>. Students who staff service desks are taught how to use such essential library resources as the library catalog, article databases and interlibrary loan. They become power library users. They often tell me that they\u2019re the go-to experts among their friends.<\/p>\n2. Using the library can help you earn better grades<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3. Libraries offer ideas for study breaks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
4. Get a job at the library to become a library expert<\/h4>\n