Gators love their libraries. In fact, Library West alone has reported more visitors per year than the UF football stadium. Some students even take elaborate graduation photos in our spaces and declare their love by posting hysterical library related memes (yes, we see them). But how much do you really know about the resources and services the UF Libraries have to offer?
As the journalism and mass communications librarian at UF, the most common complaints I hear from students are, “I wish I knew about this sooner!” and “This could have made my life so much easier!” So to save you from that level of regret, I am going to list my top five things I think every UF student should know about the George A. Smathers Libraries.
#1. There are seven libraries on campus
If you’re not sure where you stand on the West vs. Marston debate, the good news is you have more than two options. There are seven libraries across the UF campus, all with their own unique study spaces, subject areas and services. In addition to Library West (humanities and social sciences) and the Marston Science Library, there is Smathers Library East (archives and special collections), the Architecture and Fine Arts Library, the Legal Information Center, the Health Science Center Library and the Education Library in Norman Hall. All of these libraries are open to students regardless of major or year in school and are worth checking out.
#2. You have access to a TON of “stuff”
Across the seven libraries you have access to MILLIONS of materials that you can borrow with your Gator 1 Card or access electronically on a digital device. While this includes the usual academic books and e-journals there are other items you may not even think of, such as DVDs. Other items in the UF Libraries include graphic novels, cookbooks, science fiction, children’s literature, sheet music and textbooks on course reserve. You can request titles we don’t own via Interlibrary Loan or from other academic libraries in the state through our Uborrow system. If you want it, we can usually help you get it.
#3. Subject librarians are here for you
Did you know there is a subject librarian for every college or major at UF who is an expert on how to find information in your discipline? Think of this person as a research ninja who can connect you with specialized resources for your projects and papers. Email them with questions or to set up an appointment for one-on-one help. Every subject librarian curates online research guides that pull together all of the best information resources in a particular area. Find the research guide related to your major now to save a lot of time and effort down the line.
#4. Tech tools and e-resources
The libraries are an incredible resource for tech tools and databases. At Library West we have iPads for checkout, ProctorU booths and a video recording space called the One Button Studio. Many of our libraries have public computers with double monitors, 3D printers and KIC scanners that make scanning incredibly fast and easy. Marston has a virtual reality space as well as a tool library where you can check out everything from sewing machines to drills to podcasting equipment. And we also subscribe to over 1,600 databases, which provide valuable information not available on the open web. For example, we have news databases that get you behind paywalls for thousands of news sources, digital archives that connect you to historical documents and a streaming video platform called Kanopy that’s like Netflix, but with award winning documentaries.
#5. Events for you
The UF Libraries provide more than materials and study spaces. We also work hard to put on a wide variety of events that really matter to students such as research workshops, hack-a-thons, exhibits and engaging speakers. We’ve recently started doing wildly popular Finals Support Week events across all libraries that include therapy dogs, yoga, free food and stress buster kits. Events like Blind Date With A Book and the Digital Resource Fair get bigger every year. How do you keep up with all of these events? Follow us on social media @uflib to stay connected.
There you have it. The top 5 things every UF student should know about the George A. Smathers Libraries. I could easily do a top 10 or a top 20, but instead I’m going to suggest that you visit our website at library.ufl.edu to find more information about everything outlined above. Keep loving those libraries, Gators!
April Hines is the Journalism and Mass Communications Librarian.
