Some of you may be asking yourselves, “Why do I need a library when the Internet can deliver great information in seconds?”
Award-winning science fiction writer Neil Gaiman answers the question particularly well.
“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers; a librarian can bring you back the right one,”
says Gaiman, who often credits libraries and librarians for inspiring him and fostering his interest in diverse literary genres. In a similar fashion, we here at Extra Credit hope you might intellectually “bookmark” this appreciation for what libraries and librarians can offer students, especially at the university level.
Over the years, the AOK library has transformed itself into a fully modern and largely virtual environment that brings facts, analysis, commentary, photographs, music, films and more to UMBC’s students and faculty. The building houses many important campus exhibitions and hosts special events. Here are just some of the useful and fun things you can find at the library:
GREAT SPACES, INTERESTING EVENTS
- A fully equipped Retriever Learning Center with 24-hour study space, the Math Lab and the Writing Lab for drop-in assistance, a seminar room for group study, computers for student use, ready access to the IT Help Desk, and comfortable informal seating
- Designated “quiet floors” for those who need to hibernate, with more social areas also available for collaboration.
- Areas with computers, printers, copiers, and scanners for student use.
- A snack bar in the lobby with sandwiches, salads, snacks, and gourmet coffee.
- A steady diet of interesting visual displays in the Library Gallery and intriguing lectures held by the Social Science and Humanities Forums
BOOKS AND OTHER MEDIA, OLD AND NEW
- More than 1.1 million books, remote access to electronic journals, access to more than 100 databases.
- Over 18,000 LP and vinyl records - reserve a spot at the listening station and check out a few soundtracks of some of the world's most renowned artists including the Artist Formerly Known as Prince.
- Access to ebook collections at UMBC and ebook sources on the open web. Click here.
- More than 12,000 CDs and DVDs, ranging from documentaries and classical music to current U.S. and foreign films and popular music (including music from Neil Gaiman’s wife Amanda Palmer).
- The Science Fiction & Fantasy collection including famous titles from Amazing/Analog, Thrilling Wonder Stories and Weird Tales, and ephemeral titles like Comet, Rocket Stories and Satellite Science Fiction, as well as a selection of Neil Gaiman’s books and essays.
- A forty-six year collection of UMBC's student newspaper The Retriever Weekly including the premier issue published on September 19, 1966.
HELP FINDING THINGS
- The opportunity to borrow materials from a vast network of university libraries without having to leave the UMBC campus.
- Individual research assistance from the library’s highly trained staff.
- Readily available “Ask a Librarian” support available on the UMBC website.
BOTTOM LINE: WHY YOU NEED THE LIBRARY
The library supports you as a learner, as a scholar, and as a social being. It provides sustenance for your brain, body, and spirit. It is a place to meet your study group or to hide out to write your term papers. And of course it is a great place to study for final exams.
And if you need help, the Retriever Learning Center houses tutors who offer assistance in Math and Writing. Reference librarians with subject matter specialization can help you find what you need. And much of what the library offers can be accessed remotely from your dorm room, classroom, or apartment off campus.
To read the “Top Ten Things to Know About Your Library,” click here. And then follow the links to learn more about how the library can enrich your UMBC experience.
BONUS LINKS
Click here to see Neil Gaiman discuss the importance of libraries and librarians:
Click here for a fascinating list of the 25 most famous librarians in history!
And here is a link to learn whether Gaiman’s Sandman comic book series will be made into a film any time soon.
EXTRA CREDIT DISCUSSION QUESTION:
What is your favorite study spot in the library?
