When I entered college, I vowed to not live in the library like I did in high school. I was going to study in cute cafes, drink delicious coffee, and munch on local treats. That lasted one semester...
I have been working in the Bailey-Howe Library since my first year of college. I'm a senior now (*yikes* how did that happen?) so I've learned some of the ins and outs. I spend my days and precious hours lurking around the bottom floor in the media department. For those who are new to UVM, or for those finishing up their semester, here are some tips and tricks from a girl who is just trying to make the most out of her college tuition dollars.
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1. Lockers
Have a backpack full of textbooks? Are you shuttling a heavy study load around campus, between your dorms or your apartment and the library? Well... you can check out a locker for a semester! All you need to do is bring your catcard and ask the circulation desk to check out a locker, and then either a key or combination locker will be your very own! (Yes... it is completely free.) Check them out on the second floor of the Bailey-Howe!
2. Forgot your Catcard?
If you forgot your Catcard and you really need to check out a textbook on reserve and your homework depends on it... have no fear! All you need it a form of ID with a picture on it, like your license, or passport!
3. More cofee
Pick up one of these bad boys at the Cyber Cafe. For those late night or early morning students studying, some sort of caffeine is essential.Buying one of these mug will cost you just $5 (OR POINTS, USE THOSE POINT YO). And with the purchase of a mug, you get a free coffee.
So, my favorite thing about this beautiful mug, is that it is massive. When you use a reusable cup, you get a small discount (which can really add up if you are a coffee addict). So you get a massive amount of coffee for less money... win-win!
If you are like me and are craving a chai latte in the chilly months, the larger mug provides more surface area for cinnamon and whipped cream-- an essential part of my life, and the key to brightening any bad day.
4. When checking out books:
One of the most frequently asked questions is not even a real question: "Hey, I need a book..." What a novel idea! A book in a library? Please know which book you want before you come ask for it. It is really helpful if you go on the library website and look up the specific title you want and get the call number, it will help us get the exact one you need instead of having to guess or figure it out. You'll know whether you want the 2005 or 2008 version of a textbook, or the old version or a novel rather than the one with the critical essays at the back.
5. Student workers
The library hires students to run the circulation desk, the media desk, stack the books, and a few more odd jobs. We are students just like you, stressed about exams, have deadlines to meet, etc. Please be nice to us. It isn't our fault if someone else checked out the book you needed before you got there. If you get fined because you brought a book later, even just a minute, there is nothing we can do about it, it is based on the computer system, so don't yell at us about it. Also, we are not technically librarians, just library employees.
6. Librarians
You pay a lot of money for tuition, and a chunk of those dollars go to paying for the books, essays, textbooks, databases and more at the library. What you aren't an expert at navigating the shelves, understanding library of congress call numbers, knowing what resources will be best for your research? That is totally okay! There is a team of super humans called librarians located in the reference office, fully equipped and at the ready to help you get an A on any project. There is one librarian for almost every subject at UVM. Just schedule an appointment and they can meet with you. They are really nice and very cool.
7. Media
In the basement of the library if a magical place called the Media center. In this majestic hub, you can check out cameras, tripods, microphones, light kits, projectors, DVDs, and more! It is an amazing resource that is often under-utilized by students. It is all free to rent, and can help you with any projects for school you may have, but also for personal use. Impress your friends by renting a projector for the night and a couple of the Harry Potter's or Game of Thrones from the Media center and host the most epic blanket-fort movie night ever!
8. Mac lab
There is a Mac lab run by the media center that has the programs needed for video and sound editing. With less foot traffic on the bottom floor of the library, the space is a quiet place to get film projects done, or photo editing.
Pro tip: You can check out headphones at the media desk and use them in the Mac lab!
9. 11,800+ DVDs
Can you only find sketchy versions of Harry Potter online? Don't want to pay for HBO Go to marathon Game of Thrones? Well you can check them out at the media center in the library! There is many of the popular new tv series, the latest movies, as well as the classics. Can't find the movie you are looking for? No problem! You can fill out a request form, and the dvd can be ordered and added to the collection.
I hope that you enjoy and can use these tips, if you need anymore... I'll be lurking in the library somewhere.
