Finals Library Resources
As the end of the semester approaches, many students are concentrating on preparing for final exams. Though it is true that every individual studies differently, there are many resources available on-campus at the library which students should be aware of.
John Payne, director of libraries at St. Lawrence University, argues that although online databases may not be as helpful at this point in the semester, the library buildings themselves can function as a good study environment. “Library resources – like databases, online journals, books – peaks about a month before finals,” he says. “So, November is a big month for use of library resources, and April is a big month for library resources, but once you get into December and to May, people are typically past their research phase and are buckling up for finals, so that’s when we see a lot of people using the library as a study space.”
Payne believes that studying in-person at Owen D. Young Library can be beneficial for students for a multitude of reasons. “Library staff are happy to help if there are any information needs that students have,” he said. “People may already know, but we’ve got a Kurig in the 24-hour room, so students can get a jolt of caffeine if they need that, along with other drinks and snacks as well.”
Regardless of how or where an individual chooses to study for exams, Payne believes the best way to maximize efficiency is to put away phones. “What students need to do is minimize distractions,” he argued. “Coming to the library is a good way to minimize distractions, but if you’ve got your phone sitting there giving you notifications, that’s the worst distraction that there is.”
Although a good grade is a result of many factors, utilizing library resources can still be beneficial, points out Special Collections and Archives Librarian Paul Doty. “The resources that are available through the library are curated. the internet,” he argued. Doty recommended that students utilize the resources available on the library website to better their studying.
One good place to start is the discovery search, because it will “search all of our collections, print and electronic, and give you a nice swath of material,” he said. Additionally, the subject guides “pull together all of the resources in a particular topic field and have a nice list of material and some advice on how to do research.” WORD Studio Director Melony Denny believes that the WORD Studio can be a valuable to assets who still need to work on final papers or projects during exam week.
“The WORD Studio offers a place to ask questions about your work and to get feedback from another reader or audience member,” she said.
Denny strongly encouraged students who do want a second opinion on a writing assignment to seek help in advance. “I would strongly suggest incorporating the WORD Studio into your process,” she said. “If you’re a procrastinator, and you know that about yourself, you can use the WORD Studio to get yourself started sooner.”