One may think the campus library is for students of literary studies or those who are too overly-consumed by their schoolwork to be anywhere else. Though that vast storehouse of knowledge and information does provide English majors published studies on everyone from Shakespeare to Hemmingway, and for the over-achievers the optimal place for working, those misconceptions and stereotypes don’t have to exclude you from being a “library regular”. No matter what kind of student you are, the library has something for you!

As mentioned before, the library is the ideal place for getting schoolwork done. Concentration is thick in the atmosphere. You walk in and you’ll find many others here are engaged in studying. The noise level is generally between silent  and hushed conversations. Study racks or work areas usually withdrawn from the main entryway are also available to further disconnect from distractions.

As you’re wandering the library, you probably can’t help much looking at the masses of books and resources surrounding you. The tools of study mean just as much as the place of study, and the library is a workshop of resources that can be of some use to you. The campus library should have books on every subject imaginable. Art, politics, relationships, education, chemistry—you name it! Learn how to use your library’s catalogue and locate books there to find just the topic you’re looking for (if not, something similar). You probably don’t have time to read a book from cover to cover, but at least skimming through a few pages of important sections or sections of interest can give you the facts and ideas you need to better understand a tricky concept or to include in a paper. Also consider picking up something pertaining to your profession or passion if you happen to come across a good title. You’ll never know what you’ll find! Magazines might also be available if you want another option for light or leisurely reading. Maybe your library has a stock of movies or documentaries. Look into the available collection and consider having a movie marathon when you have free time.

The library can also bring together the drudges of homework with the fun of friends and classmates. The library may be a location for tutoring services, group work, study parties, or even some club meetings. Working there may also make for an interestingly good campus job. If you seek more than a good read, internet access and connection for work or play can be readily attained at the library—perhaps more readily available there than other places on campus!

No matter who you are, you’ll need to study and dedicate time to schoolwork. Where you those things can hold just as much affect as whether or not you do. You can find the library to be a great place to work, being a minimally  distracting place. Also dive into its many resources for a gem of interesting information or the internet service, and look there for opportunities to collaborate and learn with fellow students. Don’t wait until midterms and finals to discover all the great things your campus library offers!