Using Your College Library

Don't make college harder on yourself than necessary, as I did! Here are some ways the college library can make your life easier.

By Maggie Argiro — October 31, 2022

Tags: academic goals, databases, discovery, information overload, librarian, library, public library, study group, studying, support, writing help

Even though I spent many long hours at the college library discovering new authors and studying, I admittedly didn't use it as well as I could have. For example, I didn't realize that librarians are also often faculty members, ready to assist with my research papers and help me find resources. After graduate school, I found a career in libraries, starting in public libraries and working my way up to being a manager at a community and t echnical college library in Seattle. Don't make college harder on yourself than necessary, as I did! Here are some ways the college library can make your life easier.

Research and Citation Help

Often, librarians' knowledge is deep and wide. Your college library probably has a team of librarians to assist with your papers and projects on any subject. College libraries try to align their collection to what is taught on campus. When starting a research project or paper, talking to a librarian about what is a vailable on campus should be your first stop. Librarians can also help you draft your thesis statements or research objectives and find resources to support your project. Once you find your resources and begin writing, librarians can advise you on how to cite your work properly.

Information Literacy and Reference Support

Understanding information gets more complex daily. What makes an author reliable? How do we know the research we're citing is sound? Librarians are information experts ready to help you navigate information in any format. Once you get your paper or project into a rough draft, including citations, librarians can refer you to different campus resources, like writing, math, and science centers, where tutors can work with you on editing and shaping your work.

Online tools like eBooks, databases, and online reference chat features: More of our learning is happening in virtual spaces. Because of this, many college libraries offer online chat help for reference questions and general questions ab out campus resources. To further support remote learning, libraries purchase online research databases (sometimes including video streaming services), software, and eBooks. Take some time to explore your college library's website to see what online resources are available.

Space to Study Individually or In Groups

In addition to virtual options, libraries are also physical spaces. There might be multiple individual libraries supporting different fields in addition to one larger main library on university and college campuses. In all of these libraries, there are usually desks and tables for individual study and group study spaces. Some libraries allow groups to meet and eat, while others have stricter food and noise policies. Sometimes different floors are designated as noisy or quiet spaces. Some libraries are also open late or even all night.

Reading for Pleasure and Discovery

I loved that the public library was a space for adventure and escaped when I was a kid. I always wondered where a new novel would take me. In college, this turned to learning about new ideas and ways of thinking that could take my education to new places. I found the periodicals on the ground floor of my college library and made it a point to visit weekly to learn about different fields, from Archaeology to Zoology.

Supportive Spaces

Many public libraries nationwide use the slogan “Open to all.” I like to remember this when I'm working in the college library. College libraries are typically open to students and visitors alike and are also open to different kinds of knowledge. This openness means that there is space for you and your interests and space to explore. My last tip is to tour the college library if you're still deciding on a school. You can see all the ways the library will be able to support your academic goals and maybe scout out your favorite study spot.

Maggie Argiro

Maggie Argiro is a library professional, writer, oral historian, and is TEFL-certified. She currently manages the circulation desk at the South Seattle College library where she is deeply invested in helping all students reach their academic goals.

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