Use Your Library Like You Mean It

If you're a student, you've probably set foot in your school's library at some point. When was the last time you actually checked out a book? Or did anything else there besides study in between classes?

Libraries are one of the most under-appreciated resources on campus. Our college libraries are here to serve and support Maricopa students and staff. There's a whole world of tools in your school's library.

You know your library has books. You've probably walked past hundreds of them while trying to scope out that perfect study spot. While you may notice old, ornate books on the shelves, libraries keep more recent releases in stock too. If there's a book on your reading list, but it's not in your budget right now, check your library first. Even if it's not there, normally, you can request it.

If you're looking for inspiration, our libraries have large numbers of magazines on file. You can flip through issues of Vogue or National Geographic to your heart's content. 

However, if reading isn't your interest, your library likely has other items you can bring home for a bit. Most libraries have a collection of DVDs, which can come in handy if you're searching for a title that's not on Netflix, Hulu, or HBO. Plus, it's a fun dose of nostalgia for the days when renting movies from Blockbuster was still the way to go.

While you are browsing for the perfect book or DVD, you should stop to see what upcoming events your college library is hosting. At the South Mountain Community College library, they host events, including Ted Talks, Storytelling presentations, and family-friendly events. At Glendale Community College, the library hosts book discussions to enrich your mind and help you connect with other bookworms on campus. All community college libraries are also able to assist students in registering to vote.

Next time you're in the library, be sure to check out their upcoming events. You may find something you don't want to miss. Fun events at the library aren't uncommon- you just need to remember to look for them.

Around finals week, our libraries will typically offer all kinds of stress-reducing activities. Libraries can include free coffee and snacks, coloring pages, and “Paws for a Study Break” with dogs on-site to cuddle. The staff at college libraries recognize how hard finals can be on students, and they want to make finals a less stressful experience.

You may be at the library every day, but when was the last time you spoke to one of the librarians there? Librarians can be some of the most interesting people you'll ever meet. Best of all, they're there to help you.

If you're struggling with a research paper to the point that you're considering clicking on page two of the Google search results, talk to a librarian. They can point you in the right direction to all kinds of helpful books and websites. Librarians have access to research databases with huge amounts of information, all for the sake of helping you out. If you have a question, a librarian will hunt down the answer for you. They'll pull out information that you didn't even know existed.

Even outside of schoolwork, librarians can recommend books and resources for whatever your hobbies or interests are. If you're interested in art, your librarian can tell you about a great book and maybe even about a special exhibit coming up. Stop by the circulation desk and introduce yourself to the librarian there. They're just as much a resource as the library itself.

All this — and libraries still have books, too.