by Kate

Ahhhh … the library! The ambience of a library creates a sanctuary, a bastion of knowledge with centuries of information and a multitude of authors. There is a peacefulness that comes with being surrounded by mountains of books full of treasure.

From the ancient library at Alexandria (the one that, according to legend, Caesar “accidentally” burned down in 48 BC) to the humble but stately libraries of the Carnegie era, libraries have
held a special place in the development of human intellect. But understanding all of what a library holds can be intimidating, let alone getting to the information you need for a specific project. Unfortunately, too many people have never been offered a genuine invitation to mine the riches therein.

Honestly, there is tons to know about efficient library use. Even if you have been a card-carrying library member all your life, you could improve your library skills, and we’ll address some specifics in later blogs. For now let’s start with getting in the door and acclimating to your surroundings.

Step 1: Go There. We have a tendency to avoid situations that are unfamiliar, and a new library may seem daunting. So, for starters, just go to the library; dare yourself if you have to. Find a way to get comfortable in the library (or libraries) near you. Just walk in with your backpack and seek an out-of-the-way table or chair to gain your bearings. Scope out the building to get its layout and follow the signs to become familiar with where things are located. Catch the eye of a friendly looking employee and jump in with a question, whether its about the hours that they are open or the rules for access to special collections. From the Volunteer shelving books to the Head Librarian, these folks are here to help you.

Step 2: Get a Card. As a fine upstanding citizen you have the right, usually only needing a permanent address, to apply for and obtain a library card. Typically without the exchange of any money, you have just gotten a golden ticket. A free pass into the realms of academia—the likes of which you have perhaps never imagined. You have joined the ranks of scholarly minds throughout history and may apply your critical thinking skills to what they have to offer. You are now a researcher. Whatever your topic, you are engaged in a journey of exploration and discovery that will inform you, and could add to the wealth of knowledge by your research and writing.

You also get to leave with goodies! An armful of books that signify an adventure waiting for you. A small gift you are delaying opening to let the anticipation build. True, not everyone appreciates the drama of finding out what lies between the covers of a book. But even if that doesn’t float your boat, the library has to appeal to a sense of functionality and efficiency; it’ll help you get the job done and that research paper is liable to get the grade that reflects the depth of research that you put into it.

Step 3: It’s Free! And if that benefit doesn’t convince you that libraries are awesome, I appeal to the bargain-hunter in you: Libraries are free! Come on, that is just cool. You can go in, pick something off the shelf and walk out the door with it. All based on the honor code that you will come back with it in good condition in a reasonable amount of time. No user fee, no yearly charge, no mandatory contribution, no hidden tax. Just free! Where do you get anything free anymore?

In no time, you can become comfortable, come to know your way around, and soon find yourself a regular. Over time, if you are open to the possibility, you may come to find that entering a library puts you in a Zen state of mind. Where the world slows down and shuts its mouth for awhile so that you can listen to the stillness and ponder the meaning of the Universe.