Cedar N. Goslin
TheBroadside
Arm yourself! Fall term is here, and for many this marks the beginning of their college journey.
Your most valuable ally is the Barber library. It’s an essential destination for returning troops and new recruits to to arm themselves for the term.
“We’ve had a busy summer here at the library,” said Michele DeSilva in reference to all of the new features that have been added to the libraries existing resources.
One of the new features includes two new group study areas and single new quiet area, both of which were popular requests by students, according to DeSilva.
Mobile furniture and mobile whiteboards were added to address the needs of groups using the library.
The first floor is dedicated to giving groups an area to work, as well as providing computers.Laptops are also available for checkout.
While the new additions focus on the library’s use as a place to study, new student Jessica Mudge said she’s more concerned about research materials and their accessibility.
“I’d want a good card catalog on a computer, books that can help with study, like reference books,” said Mudge.
According to DeSilva, those needs are accommodated as well. The library has many books and journals available on site, as well as over 200 high quality resources that students can access from any computer. This includes another new feature, which gives student access to video streaming of educational material.
Students aren’t limited to the books available on campus, or to the journals, videos and articles found online. The COCC library is also part of a group of 36 Summit libraries. Material can be ordered from any one of the participating libraries, giving students access to over 2,000 books.
One of the most popular services, according to DeSilva, is the course reserves. Course reserves allow professors the option to leave textbooks for their classes so students can check them out long enough to study and do homework if they’re unable to get their own book or do not have it with them.
Students can also expect plenty of help getting started on their research. The library staff are ready and willing to lend a hand to students in need, though assistance isn’t only offered to students who can make it in person.
DeSilva said that students are welcome to call the library if they need help, and the library’s website also provides a link to chat live with a librarian. The service is available 24 hours a day.
“We know students are often doing their work in the wee hours of the morning, and we’re not necessarily waiting by the phone,” said DeSilva. The chat is staffed by librarians from all over.
Students who are interested in acquiring more research skills can take one of three classes available through the library. The classes focus on varying levels of research and information gathering.
The Barber library checks out more than books. The library currently has four cameras and two video cameras that can be checked out for up to three days at a time.
College can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With the proper arsenal of research skills and available resources, the experience can begin to feel much less like a battle.
It’s all about knowing who your allies are.
You can contact Cedar Goslin at [email protected]
