Looking for Group Study Space?

We heard you loud and clear when you told us in last year's user survey that you wanted more group study space. While we couldn't create more rooms in the library, we did put together a list of rooms open for group study and we improved signage for these rooms.

Also, on the Main Level of Mudd we've opened up a bit more group study space in the current periodicals alcove and added a third oak "Carnegie" table near the west windows.

Speaking of Science: introducing the Science Library Blog

Speaking of Science, the science library blog, went live on Friday, February 24. Come visit! The blog will highlight new books, news from Science, Nature, Scientific American and other science journals, new faculty publications, and services in the science library. oberlinsciencelibrary.blogspot.com

How many books???

Do you know how many books, journals, and recordings the library holds? How many circulations per year? How much Oberlin spends on library materials?

That info is all handy on the Library Statistics webpage

Carrels available in the Science Library

There are 30 study carrels in the science library that may be reserved for the semester. Initial carrel assignments have been made to students who filled out applications during the first week of classes, and many carrels remain open. If you would like a place to call your own in the science library, just stop by the circulation desk and ask which carrels are still open. We'll sign you up!

Changes in Mudd

Based in part on the results of last spring's web-based user survey, the library's begun to make changes we hope will make Mudd a more attractive space for group study and collaboration. One small step we took over Winter Term was to move out some underutilized newspaper shelving and expand our seating options on the main level. We've sent out some comfy overstuffed chairs to be reupholstered and will add these to the new open space soon. During the course of the semester we're also hoping to add more electrical outlets for wireless laptop use in this area.

Comments?

Detour into Mudd on February 10

On Friday morning, February 10, the Main Level entrance to Mudd will be closed to allow the completion of some construction work. We will have the A-Level entrance open from 8 a.m. until the project is complete (should be no more than 3 hours). To manage security, a circulation worker will be posted at the A-Level exit beginning at 8am. She will check-out, or confirm the check-out of, all library materials leaving the building.

If you are unable to use the A-Level entrance to the building, please call us to make other arrangements at 55016. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Main Library carrel assignments start February 11

What is a carrel and why would I want one?

From Wikipedia:

carrel desk
A carrel desk is a small desk (usually) featuring high sides meant to visually isolate its user from any surroundings either partially or totally.

From answer.com:

A partially partitioned nook in or near the stacks in a library, used for private study.

From encarta:

private space for individual study: a bay, cubicle, or small room where one person can study in private, e.g. in a library

You may sign up for your own private study space in the Main Library beginning February 11 at the Main Library Circulation Desk. Carrels are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be shared with one other person.

All you need to sign up is your OCID and a list of preferred carrel numbers. We can provide maps of the carrels at the circulation desk. For more information, consult our webpage or ask the circulation staff.

One card is all you need in the Science Library!

Both photocopiers in the science library are now operated with your Oberlin College ID, using an account that is separate from your “free” print quota for printing from networked computers on campus. This is true for all faculty and students. You can add value to your OCID account at a machine in the science library or the main library. These machines also sells cards to guests and forgetful Obies. The cost per page remains $.07. Science library staff are ready to help – just ask for a demonstration of the new system. Don't toss out those "old" photocopy cards -- they are still required by photocopiers in the main, art, and conservatory libraries!