Navigate your College Library

Student OverwhelmedCampus libraries are huge. On a college tour, they entice prospective students. I remember touring colleges and day-dreaming about the shelves and shelves of books. I could see myself incorporating so many references into term papers and spending endless hours perusing books.

Months later, as a college freshman, the same library terrified me. I remember thinking it was too big to navigate. When I walked into the big double doors to the front lobby, the hustle and bustle of students working in this giant room almost made me turn back.

However, I took a deep breath and embraced all the library had to offer. And believe me; every college library is full of valuable resources to help college students succeed.

First and foremost, the librarian is often one of the most helpful individuals on campus. The librarian is a well-trained and extremely knowledgeable person who can point you in the right direction of what you are looking for. They may also suggest help tips or library assistants to guide you. Librarians can help you find resources that you may not have even known existed.

Many colleges carry copies of class textbooks and resources. Check with your library to see what tools can help you with your classes. It is important to go at the beginning of the semester to get the best resources before other students beat you to it. Previous tests and papers from classes are often filed in the college library. These resources can help you study and provide examples of what to expect on upcoming tests.

Online journals are accessible through your college library. Online journals are scholarly journals or intellectual magazines that are available on an online database. They are written by individuals who are well-educated and respected in their field. Most college libraries have a special database access. The college library pays for the resource and offers it to their students for free. The database carries a wide variety of articles, sources, and help.

Many colleges have an interlibrary loan system with local colleges. If you cannot find a resource or book, ask the librarian or assistant about an interlibrary loan. The service allows you to borrow from other local community or college libraries.

Study rooms are also available at your college library. These rooms are a quiet, community place to meet with other students to study or work on projects. They often have blackboards to work on and a lot of desk space. These quiet, distraction less study rooms can also be used for individual study time. Many libraries require students to reserve the study rooms before using them; it is important to check the rules of the library.

Recreational reading is also available at college libraries. From the latest fictional novels to more in-depth books in your field, libraries offer a variety of recreational reading material to choose from.

Behind the resources and books, most college libraries have a collection of DVDs and CDs. Along with other recreational tools, libraries carry other items to enjoy for entertainment.

College libraries also offer work study programs for students. If you are looking for a part time job, contact the library to assist with helping other students, stocking shelves, and other various jobs.

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