If there’s one thing that could bring everyone involved in research at UT together, regardless of their field of study, it’s the quality of our library system.
Freshman year, the library served one purpose for me: a place to isolate myself and study regardless of the time of day. What’s more, the in-house Starbucks fed my caffeine addiction, keeping me awake when the pseudo-meat locker temperatures of the stacks failed to do so.
The library’s selling features at that point in my educational career were big tables, dedicated quiet floors and really wonderful views of the sun rising over The Hill when I had sentenced myself to all-nighters.
But those features are the features of the building itself, and are probably available at the libraries of every other major public research university. My appreciation for what makes our library unique has steadily grown as I’ve become more invested in research. And throughout my time here, the library has continuously supported my endeavors.
The hallmark of a library system isn’t simply storing vast quantities of knowledge, but allowing students and faculty members to access those academic treasures. The UT Library System does just that.
When my friends were faced with producing attractive media for SGA campaigns and new programs on campus, they turned to the software tutorial sessions hosted by the library’s staff. After learning how to use iMovie at one such session, the library loaned me the equipment to film video projects. I borrowed a Mac adapter to present this video during class.
When I was in Sweden preparing a proposal for a Fulbright Fellowship on lichen, I threw my hands up in exasperation after finding that a book I needed couldn’t be accessed online. Then, I clicked a magical button and requested scanned chapters from that lichenology textbook, and Presto! They were emailed to me in less than 24 hours. Problem solved.
For a field ecology project, an online search of the stacks turned up seven different field guides that my colleagues and I needed by the next day. The library collected these books, pulling material from the Ag Campus library and the main library, and delivered them to the EEB office, again in less than 24 hours.
Maybe the crux of your research is finding material on a certain topic in the first place. Have no fear, the UT Library System has a dedicated fleet of librarians that will assist you in navigating through online databases and the stacks to find the information needed to further your research.
The library provides group meeting rooms and classrooms, and hosts thought-provoking lectures in its auditorium. Student artwork is featured on every floor, while themed displays of relevant reading material are placed around seating areas and study tables.
While the doors to Hodges may be heavy, prying them open will reveal an invaluable resource of knowledge.
Kenna Rewcastle is a senior in College Scholars. She can be reached at [email protected].
