Say the words ‘university library’ and immediately an image of a large, silent space with rows of full bookshelves comes to mind. This image isn’t wrong, but it isn’t complete. The library is often the heart of a university, a place where students come to do a lot more than just read. In fact, with so much on offer, it's sometimes not so much a question of what is in a university library, and more one of what isn't.
Comfort, ease and accessibility
A university library is a place where many students go every day, and often for long periods. Today’s libraries therefore offer such things as comfortable seating areas for relaxing; excellent lighting, heating and ventilation; and enough power sockets to connect everyone's laptops and devices. Some even have areas where you can buy coffee and have something to eat while you work.
Universities such as Virginia Tech have spent large amounts of money on refurbishing their libraries in line with the needs of their diverse, tech-savvy users. These updates are intended to increase study spaces for individual students and those working together on group assignments.
Libraries must also be accessible to all students. For that reason, many have designated study rooms for students with additional needs, specialist software programmes, and other IT facilities to support a wide range of abilities.
Resources in a university library
As you might expect, access to books, journals, databases and other materials is key to a successful university library. With class sizes increasing, there is greater demand for all of these resources, so libraries must have the budgets to invest in them.
Here is an example of the number of resources available at the various libraries belonging to Oxford University.
In addition to traditional books and journals, universities offer a vast selection of digital resources. E-journals, e-books, and a wide range of video and audio items are available for students to access for their learning, research and assignments.
University library services
Perhaps more surprising are the other services the university library can offer. Aside from printers and photocopiers, today’s libraries also have development support services to help students acquire the academic writing, referencing, presentation and public speaking skills needed at undergraduate level.
If you get feedback from your professors asking you to develop your critical thinking skills or your writing skills, the support services section of your university library can help.
Some libraries hold regular workshops, webinars and Q&A sessions, both online and face-to-face. Here is an example from the University of Manchester.
Students also benefit from library support services and drop-in sessions for which they don't have to book a specific time slot. These sessions help students with a range of things, including:
- Subject-specific database searches
- Finding evidence online
- Using reference management software
- Research skills and dissertation writing
Support for academics
Libraries are also there to serve faculty members in the planning and delivery of course programmes and content. They ensure that the resources required for each taught module are available. If they're not available, library staff will help teaching staff order what they need in advance.
Specialised teams in university libraries support professors in creating reading lists for course modules and can help the teaching team provide core training to students. This training can cover the basics of conducting research, finding sources and using databases. The library can also provide training in specialist searches for postgraduate and PhD students.
As you can see, what is in a university library and what it can offer will vary. The next time you sit at a study desk in yours, remember that a great deal of time and money – plus huge networks of staff – have made your experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
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