As part of this special, student-themed edition of Library Update, we asked our student workforce to share some tips and tricks about using the library.
Kendall McGowan, Access Services Evening Associate, said of the 63-member staff: "As full-time students, they spend their days doing readings for classes, then come to work at the library and help shelve, sort and maintain books, and connect patrons with the materials they’re looking for."
This makes them the perfect resource for all questions related to the library, and some hidden gems.
The Library Student Advisory Board
What is a library tip or piece of advice you know about, based on your experience working in the library, that you think would help our community if they knew about it?
Ethan Zenteno
Ethan Zenteno
Cybersecurity - Class of 2026 - New York, New York.
"If students have suggestions, they should consider joining the Student Advisory Board. They could help make tangible changes to our library."
The Student Advisory Board is now recruiting new members!
Do you have ideas about how the Libraries could better serve you? We want to hear from you!
Tips for Borrowing
Sophie Bartlett
M.S.I.S. in Library and Information Sciences - Class of 2026 - from Marquette, Michigan.
"You can renew books--or see if they are renewable--yourself. You usually don't have to go to the library to do it. Click here to access your online library card. Log in, click renew on the book under Loans. If it's not renewable, it will tell you the due date."
Diana Crawford
Political Science - Class of 2028 - from Jamaica, New York.
"If you need a specific book we don't have, utilize interlibrary loan and you can probably get it for the length of the semester."
Layaan Roufai
History - Class of 2025 - from Bronx, New York.
"You can renew most books yourself on the library website."
Tips for Research Assistance
Alexas Batista
Cybersecurity - Class of 2027 - from New York, New York.
"Any academic-related questions can be answered at the reference desk. Also, the library has a lot of info, so if you need help, just ask."
David Finch
Informatics - Class of 2026 - from Latham, New York.
"The staff actually wants to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions! If they don't know the answer, they'll find someone that does."
Christopher Rivard
Cybersecurity - Class of 2028 - Queens, New York.
"Do not be scared to ask for help, everyone here is friendly."
Ummy Roufai
Chemistry - Class of 2028 - Bronx, New York.
"If you don't feel like asking the front desk questions, you can make an appointment online."
Kimron Faustin
Informatics - Class of 2028 - Brooklyn, New York.
"Always ask staff on desk for assistance if you are not certain about something. You can rescan for group study rooms if it is available at the time."
Tips for Technology
Clancey Staldine
Informatics - Class of 2025 - from Green River, Wyoming.
"If you can't access an article due to a paywall, try accessing it through the library!"
Demetria Desir
Psychology - Class of 2025 - from Mount Vernon, New York.
"You can ask for phone chargers. Printing is free. And you can also use your Mobile ID to check out books."
Keren Saray
Accounting - Class of 2025 - from Queens, New York.
"The color printer is in the basement."
Jaelin Meade
Human Biology - Class of 2028 - Poughkeepsie, New York.
"That we have phone chargers available at the desk and the video chat room is super useful."
Fanta Kaba
Business Economics - Class of 2026 - Bronx, New York.
"I think patrons should know about the many different online resources that are connected to the library."
Oliver
Class of 2028 - Hermon, New York.
"You can check out headphones."
Tips for Spaces
Jandiel Cruz
Cybersecurity - Class of 2028 - Bronx, New York.
"If there are no study rooms open at the University Library, then the basement has places for groups or try the Science Library."
Christopher Sterling
Sociology - Class of 2028 - from Queens, New York.
"This is a really good place to get work done. It's also very convenient to have group-study rooms."
Amelia Rodriguez
History - Class of 2026 - from Bronx, New York.
"If the University Library is out of study rooms, try going to the Science Library."
Misi Ogunnaike
Misi Ogunnaike
Communications - Class of 2026 - Brooklyn, New York.
"The University Library and Science library are three-minutes apart. When there are no study rooms open, it is highly likely the Science Library has room."
Rachel Adebisi
Informatics - Class of 2028 - from Deer Park, New York.
"I think our community should know about the group-study rooms more because they're useful for group projects."
Wania Hermanstyne
Accounting - Class of 2026 - Queens, New York.
"If there are no more study rooms, you can go to the basement, second, or third floor."
Xavier Sacta
Digital Forensics - Class of 2026 - Queens, New York.
"You can book a video chat room online."
Hope Beiscombe
Communications - Class of 2028 - Brooklyn, New York.
"The study rooms are so good but it gets booked easily fast so I would suggest using the basement or going to the Science Library."
Hope Beiscombe
General Advice
Jovanni Parris
Psychology - Class of 2028 - from Brooklyn, New York.
"Never be afraid to ask for help!"
Zahivah Ambriton
Accounting - Class of 2027 - from Queens, New York.
"To always put your best foot forward."
Nyomi
Sociology - Class of 2027 - Brooklyn, New York.
"Do not rush things because everything turns out better when you take your time."