Monthly Archives: May 2012

Super in the Summer

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UGL basking in the summer sun

UGL basking in the summer sun

In case you’re currently cursing your summer-class-taking fate, let us reassure you that the UGL (and maybe even the whole campus) stays pretty awesome during the summer. We found at least five reasons the UGL rocks in the off-season. Can you think of more? Let us know!

1) You can always sit in your favorite spot: Okay, we can’t guarantee this because there is a small chance that someone else who is here for a summer class also likes your UGL study spot. But in general, it’s pretty quiet around the UGL and you can snag an entire table all for yourself. A little different than finals week, huh?

2) The line at Espresso is short: So short, they’ve taken down their line-forming barriers. It’s so easy to get a latte these days, maybe too easy. And you’re guaranteed a fresh sandwich.

3) The bathrooms are…well…cleaner: We realize this is an ongoing issue for you guys. We’re working on it as hard as we can! But it’s a fact that since it’s quieter in here during the summer, the bathrooms aren’t used as much and thus stay cleaner.

4) No wait time for group collaboration rooms: So, like No. 1, this isn’t a complete guarantee. There might be some massive run on group projects all of a sudden when pretty much every instructor assigns a group project the same week. But, let’s be real–that’s not too likely. So you should be able to waltz into the UGL and pick up a key for a collaboration room anytime we’re open–no lines, no waiting.

5) Finally check out a Flip camera and an iPad (and a Nook, and a Macbook Pro, and an external hard drive…): The UGL’s unique collection of rockin’ technology is here for you to use all year long, but it’s insanely popular and we can’t even keep some items in stock! This summer, get your hands on one of our new iPads, Nook Colors, and more. Plus when you’re in the UGL doing work (or just soaking up the A/C while catching up on Netflix), we can pretty much guarantee you’ll get your pick of laptops.

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Summer Research Cheat Sheet

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Picture of Illini pool

Rays and research, the perfect combination! (Photo courtesy of ARC website)

So, Summer I classes are almost half way over. Uh, whoa! That was super-fast! Condensed coursework is great because you get to rack up some credits a whole lot quicker. But they can also be a bummer because they tend to be much more intensive with tighter deadlines than a normal semester class. But if you’re taking a class right now, we don’t need to tell you that, huh?

If the half-way point of your Summer I class means it’s time to get your research on, never fear! The UGL has some quick-n-easy resources that will help you maximize your research capabilities (and theoretically maximize your grade), all while minimizing the time you actually need to spend in the library. In fact, the time you need to physically be inside the library could add up to a whopping zero hours. Is your mind blown? Well, it should be. Here are some trade secrets for helping you through a research paper – from conceptualizing an idea to polishing the works cited page – that are all one or two clicks away on the UGL homepage.

Meet your new best friend, the “Find” Button

screenshot of UGL homepage with easy search bar highlighted

Located in the upper left corner of the UGL homepage, hovering over the “Find” button gives you the keys to a whole bundle of helpful stuff, such as:

  • Need facts and contextual info on a topic? Click on “Background Info” to search our online encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, etc. You can search by subject area, resource type, or just a plain old-fashioned keyword search—user’s choice!
  • Need to narrow down a broad topic? Click on “Subject Guides” and be privy to a whole list of custom-made research guides. These guides break down common topics such as climate change, the Iraq War, teen pregnancy or media bias with a topic overview, background info, tips on finding relevant articles and books, and helpful websites.
  • Need a couple peer-reviewed articles? Click on “Articles” and you’ll automatically land on our handy “Find Articles Guide” page. Divided by multi-topic or subject-specific, this page provides links into the most commonly used databases, where you can search for articles on everything from the effects of UV rays on college students’ appetites to the sociological impacts of taking a summer road trip with a handful of your closest buds. (Extra pro tip: try looking for the department your class is in if you’re stuck—for example, if you’re taking a psych class, PscyINFO could be a good place to start.)

A Cite For Sore Eyes

Style guides are linked to on UGL page under heading 'Learn'

Citations, I love you, but you’re bringing me down. Ever feel this way while working on the reference list for your paper? Well, there’s an app for that. Err, um, a link, anyway. Near the center of the UGL homepage, under the orange “Learn” heading is a link to the APA, MLA Guides. One click here takes you to a list of resources for perfecting your citations—both in the text and in the works cited list. Oh, your instructor is requesting Chicago Style? That’s covered, too!

Ask Us! (Online)

Ask a Librarian chat box located on main library page, UGL page, and many other places.

There’s a live help chat box embedded in the UGL homepage, and it’s staffed M-F from 9am-5:30pm and Saturday & Sunday from 1pm-4:30pm. Just one more way you can get a little extra push from a librarian without leaving the air conditioned comfort of your bedroom (or the sweltering pool deck at the ARC, if your wireless so allows).

One last tip…

Our online library resources are available to you wherever you are—you just need an internet connection and your Net ID/password to access from off campus. Your crazy-busy Summer I sched might be cramping your grill out/lay out/work out seshes, but time spent in the library (while we’d be happy to have you!) doesn’t have to get in the way of your fabulous summer.

Questions about anything you read here? Ask-A-Librarian!

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Finally Summer!

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vintage image of a merry-go-round

Image courtesy of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums via Flickr.

It’s practically summer! Hopefully you’re preparing to do something fun/amazing, whether it’s finishing gen-eds with some summer classes, doing an internship in your major, traveling around the world, heading home to earn some moola, or something else we haven’t thought of (do tell!).

The UGL will not be doing any of the aforementioned things this summer, since it’s a building, but if you’re staying around campus (or even if you’re off campus and need research assistance) the UGL will be here for you. During the dog days of summer, you can basically do everything you normally do at the UGL, just not for as many hours each day.  Here are some ideas:

Taking a short trip and need a camera? Planning to work on a media portfolio? Studying like crazy for the GRE, LSAT or MCAT? During summer, you can still book and checkout the loanable technology items, collaboration rooms, and other library items you’ll need to accomplish these tasks.

Sadly, research papers do not disappear during summer classes. Never fear! You can also still get plenty of research assistance in person at the research desk and online via chat Mon-Thurs 11-6 and Fri 11-5. On the weekends, you can get research help at the circulation desk.

Here’s a look at our summertime schedule, which begins on Monday, May 14th:

Summer I & Summer II:

Mon-Thurs: 8:30-6

Fri: 8:30-5:00

Sat & Sun: 1-5

You can find the summer schedules for other campus libraries here.

Note: The UGL will close on Friday, May 11th at 7PM, and will reopen again on Monday, May 14th at 8:30AM.

 

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And we don’t stop

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UGL from above, brightly lit at night.

Now that it’s almost finals week, the UGL is once again keeping its (admittedly very heavy) doors open all the time.  So!  No need to worry if you need a quiet place to pull an all-nighter (or a bustling place to keep you from snoozing when you should be studying)… we’ll be here.

Here’s the deal:  From now until Friday, May 11th at 7PM, the UGL is ALWAYS OPEN.

And in honor of all the hard work you’re doing, we’d like to share some sweet tips on how to make the most of your library experience during these trying times…

  • Do you need a collaboration room for a group project?  No problem!  Just remember that they tend to book up pretty quickly during finals week, so you’re best bet is to reserve one in advance.  Just call (or visit) the UGL circulation desk @ 333-3477 to make your reservation.
  • The lower level of the UGL is the quiet floor.  Especially during finals, people take the quiet mandate pretty seriously. To avoid scowls, scorn, and potential scandal, keep the talking to the upper level only. Seriously… it’s for your own good!
  • All-nighters are basically not doable without coffee and snacks.  That’s why the Espresso Royale location at the UGL will also be keeping it’s doors open 24/7 until Friday May 11th.  (OK… they’ll actually be closing each night for one hour from 12AM-1AM, and closed during the night on Saturday and Sunday).  Remember! Drinks (with lids) are OK in the library, but if you need to eat, please do so in the cafe area in front of Espresso.
  • You’re probably going to be clocking in some serious hours at the UGL, and you’re definitely going to need a break or two.  Don’t leave your stuff unattended! Remember, you can always check out a laptop lock at the circulation desk to ensure you’re computer is safe while you take a stroll or grab a bite to eat.
  • The UGL isn’t just for studying…we’re also here to help you unwind.  If you need to take your mind off finals, you can pick up a DVD, grab a good book, or take a gaming break.

We’re pulling for you! Try not to stress too much, and let us know if/how we can help make things easier! 

 

 

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