This post was written by Learning Commons supervisor Terry Wynn.
The University Libraries are celebrated for having an abundance of information, resources, and printing stations. They offer each visitor a diverse selection of study space and assistance to suit their needs. So with finals quickly approaching, perhaps it’s time you took a study-cation at one of the University of Arkansas Libraries to study in comfort. The University of Arkansas has five wonderful libraries that form one amazing system. The group study rooms that can be reserved online, the quiet and comfortable corners, and the numerous printing stations that can be accessed by any mobile device transport you to “the” destination for a great study session. What is a study-cation, you ask? It is a dedicated period of time one blocks out other distractions to focus on studying for a project. This typically takes place in a space of comfort with amenities to assist with your studies, and even though the Libraries are in different buildings on campus, each one offers a unique selection of items, resources, environments to study, and of course, printing stations. Here are some of the awesome experiences you can expect from the University Libraries:
In CHEM 225, housed in the historic Chemistry Building, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Library offers students a charming place to study. What the Chemistry library lacks in square footage, it makes up for in other ways, like housing the latest books on Chemistry, Biology and other related subjects. The CHEM Library also has a collection of Course Reserve items for some of the Bio and Chemistry classes currently offered. There aren’t many desktops in the CHEM Library, which utilizes the area instead to offer plenty of table space and whiteboards, giving patrons ample room to work out those tricky formulas. Of course, there are also print stations. The CHEM Library is headed by Distinguished Professor and Chemistry and Biochemistry Librarian Luti Salisbury, an amazing librarian and really nice individual, so if you are needing help with research, be sure to say hello or send Dr. Salisbury an email.
Located in the Fine Arts building and headed by Fine Arts Librarian Phillip Jones, there is a hive of productivity known as the Fine Arts Library (FAL). The FAL is the storehouse for most things creative. Photography, Drawing, Architecture, Landscape, Interior and Graphic Design are a portion of the fine arts materials housed there. Beyond the books, the FAL is visually stunning and an enjoyable place to study. The library as a whole is for quiet study, mostly. Having two floors, the FAL can accommodate various study needs. The main floor of the FAL has most of what you will need to create, complete, or tweak your work. There are computers uploaded with all the Adobe creative cloud programs, high-quality scanners, and print stations. Along with large tables for drawing or studying, there is also an amazing view of the Union Courtyard. If you are looking to spread out more or are easily distracted, head downstairs. There, you will find beautiful wooden tables amongst the Fine Arts journals and the OV room (short for oversized). The books may be oversized, but the room is not! It is more like a reading nook, making FAL the study-cation destination with a view!
The Physics Library is what I would imagine Times Square to be like – a single space with a lot going on, but it works. The Physics Library is unique in the fact that it is a small space that works for various study types, and its space is influenced by the patron’s needs. They are equipped with smaller tables and whiteboards that can be moved around for individual or group study. The staff of the Physics Library work closely with their patrons to know what is needed. They even help with the little things, like offering unlimited scratch paper to patrons working on the world’s next big breakthrough. They also have a small collection of desktops and printing stations. Located in the Physics Research Building, and led by the librarian Stephanie Pierce, the Physics Library (PHYS 221) is the number one place to study on Dickson Street.
Young Law Library may seem like an intimidating place, but only if you haven’t visited yet. Although some students find the Law Library difficult to find, taking the time to do so is well worth it. The Law Library is housed in the Leflar Law Center and is as welcoming as the other University Libraries. The Law Library is available to all faculty, staff, and students. The Law Library has many pleasant surprises, such as having its own computer lab and yes, its very own coffee shop, which makes taking a break so much easier. It only gets better from there, because if you think the sweet aroma of pastries and coffee may distract you, the Law Library has a giant maze books and tables for you to explore and discover your own trove of study space. The Law Library does have after-hours access for Law students only (requires student ID), but during normal hours, it’s open for all to enjoy.
Located in the heart of campus is the largest of the University Libraries system, Mullins Library, which is also known as Club Mullins for its diverse study culture. If you have a study preference, there’s a space for you in Mullins Library. Mullins Library consists of four floors and serval departments, all of which are available to support various study needs. Each floor has its own feel and personality with a mixture of quiet and conversation approved study spaces. The first floor, designated for quiet study only, is also home to the Special Collections Department, where all things historic are kept, and Performing Arts & Media, where one goes to find music and movies. The second (main) floor is the busiest, housing the largest general access computer lab on campus, plenty of print stations, and lots of study space, including two silent reading rooms. The third floor is for quiet study but has group study rooms available that can be reserved online, for group projects and preparation for presentations. The top floor is split in half, with the east side of the fourth floor designated for silent study and the west side designated for group study. The west side boasts whiteboards and small tables, offering flexibility for group work. All this and more contributes to making Mullins Library one of the most popular places to study on campus.
In Conclusion
The University Libraries are great places to take your next study-cation. Each library offers most, if not all, of what you need to successfully study. Having five libraries on campus, each with its own environment, study spaces, print stations and websites makes it a little easier to access the databases and materials related to each student’s individual focus. So, with finals quickly approaching, adventure out and try each of the libraries on campus, and find the place that suits your study needs to have an amazing study-cation.