It's almost finals week! That means it's time to start thinking about study guides and quiet places to memorize those lecture notes and read that book you've been ignoring all semester. You may be stressing, trying to find the perfect place to settle down away from noisy roommates so you can finally try to cram in everything you forgot from the beginning of the semester. But before you freak out, never fear, K-State Libraries are here!
While at first sight the 2nd floor of Hale may seem like a battlefield, there are tons of other great study spots if 2nd floor is too crowded (or too intimidating). And don't forget about the branch libraries! Fieldler (hours), Math/Physics (hours), VetMed (hours), and Weigel (hours) will be open, too (although not 24/7 like Hale). If there was any time to get out of your comfort zone and explore the Libraries, the time is now. Survive studying in the library with K-State Libraries' top five finals week tips!
1. Looking for a computer? When the 2nd floor look full, there are always computers on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th floors. There is also a computer on each stack level if you want a more secluded location. Don't be afraid to wander away from the main areas of the floor. If you head west (toward the stack levels), each floor also has more computer and study spaces along the south and west sides of the building. With nearly 200 Macs and PC's populating Hale Library, and even more quiet nooks and crannies perfect for studying, Hale will always have that lucky study spot just for you! You can also checkout laptops from the IT Help Desk on the 2nd floor (across from Stack C).
2. Do you need to get together with a study group to trade notes? You can reserve a room for that! Rooms 123, 301, and 401 are open to reserve after 5pm every day and, if there are no reservations during that time, are open on a first-come first-serve basis. Save yourself from having to look for an area large enough for your group by reserving one of these spaces at least one day in advance. But if all rooms are taken, you're always welcome to grab a collaboration station or movable whiteboard, and claim a chair, table, booth, or piece of the carpet on 2nd floor instead.
3. Finals week can become especially hectic so remember that there are designated quiet zones and group study spaces in Hale during this week. 1st, 3rd, and 4th floors will all be quiet zones during finals week, while the 2nd floor and the 24 Hour Study Center will remain open to talkers and study breaks!
4. Have you heard of the Harry Potter room? The Hale Library Great Room is another quiet zone located on the 3rd floor in room 304. The huge murals and windows make for a nice atmosphere in which to study (if you aren't too distracted by the greatness of the room, that is).
5. If you are one to camp out in the Library for an all-night study session, chances are you will need a caffeine fix or snack break. Lucky for you, Hale is serving free coffee, tea, and treats to students from 10pm to midnight on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of finals week. There are also vending machines located on the 1st and 2nd floors, and Einstein Brothers Bagels (hours) in the 24 Hour Study Center.
By the way, for those of you in the residence halls, don't forget the Derby and Kramer Academic Resource Centers. According to our connections in Housing & Dining, they are open 8am to 11pm Monday through Thursday, 8am to 5pm on Friday, and 6pm to 11pm on Sunday. You might also ask at your hall's front desk about study rooms.
You're almost done! Just think of K-State Libraries as your temporary home until you can escape to a land of sunshine and sleep, ice cream and movie marathons, leisure reading and smelling of chlorine/lake or ocean water... until next semester.
- Ashley Brown
With the increased activity in the libraries during this time, if you have to venture away from your study space or computer it may seem like a good idea to leave your backpack or other items, however briefly, to save your space. Actually, not a good idea anytime.......so be sure to keep an eye on your stuff.
Posted by: Roberta | May 06, 2011 at 09:50 AM