Starting university means that you may have to find new ways of working and researching throughout your studies. The library and its service at university play a big part in helping students make the most of their studies.
Some people never seem to leave there, whilst others are rarely seen. But there is so much out there that can help, read on to find out how you can make the most out of your university library.
Attend an induction session
These sessions are normally put on at the beginning of each new academic year by library staff to help students find out more about the library service at their university. Crucially, they’ll also help explain to you how to find books and other resources in there, and how to check them out and take them home. They will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about using the library.
No matter how trivial a question may seem, they will understand that using a university library is a totally different experience to using your local library back home, and will be happy to help.
Check out what the library has to offer
They are not just big buildings with books and study spaces in it, they are so much more than that! As well as books, the library may have archives containing things such as newspapers and artefacts A university library is a digital resource too.
Many course texts and journals will be available online. You’ll be able to search for resources and view them at any time, no matter where you are in the world.
This is handy for when you are working away from university, during the holidays, for example. Your library may offer other services such as writing classes and language support as well.
Choose your study space
Libraries are big places. They need to be, there are a lot of students who will all want somewhere where they can work and study effectively. There are lots of different study spaces in there, catering to different types of workers.
You may find that you work best in a silent study area, ideal for if you just want to get on with your work. Others may prefer a more collaborative study space, if you need to work as a group, or you just find the sound of silence deafening. Try them all and decide which space works best for you.
Make an interlibrary loan
Your library is jam-packed with resources, but sometimes, they just don’t have the text that you’re looking for. Instead of buying the book yourself, you can request an inter library loan. In most cases, as long as the book isn’t exceptionally rare or expensive, your library will be able to loan it from another university library, often at little or no cost to you.
Many will have agreements with each other to share resources, so it shouldn’t be a problem in most cases. What’s more, the lending library may even send you a photocopied version of the text.
Talk to the librarians
The librarians know the workings of the library inside out, and will often be on hand whenever the library is open. They will be happy to point you in the right direction if they need to, or refresh your memory on how the cataloging system works. Librarians are highly qualified individuals who may know far more about a certain topic or resource than you might think.
These are just a few ways of making the most of the library
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