Notes from the dean of library services
Dr. Barbara Burd,
dean of library services
The flowering pear trees remind me that spring is arriving in South Carolina. Last Saturday I took my dog for a walk on the beach and on Sunday talked with my son in upstate New York who had just come in from shoveling five inches of snow. How glad I am that I live here.
While spring brings the warmer weather, it’s also the reminder that the end of the semester is approaching with last minute papers and studying for final exams.
So, here’s my advice to make the end of semester a bit less stressful:
- Start research early. Don’t wait until the last minute to find books and articles that you need to complete your research papers.
- Allow enough time to retrieve relevant resources. If that unique book or article isn’t available in the library, you can request it through Pascal Delivers or interlibrary loan, but that takes an extra 2-3 days.
- Consult a reference librarian. If you’ve spent an hour searching without finding what you need, stop. Go to the library, pick up the phone, email or chat with a reference assistant. This will save you time and frustration.
- Take advantage of the library’s de-stress fest. Take a break to work on a puzzle or stress ball. Sign up for a chair massage. Enjoy the complimentary food and beverages.
- Get a good night’s sleep. While studying all night long may seem necessary, you’ll do much better in your exams if you’re well-rested and can think clearly.
Good luck on your final exams and for those who are graduating, congratulations from the Kimbel library!
