Need help with your studies? Come to the Library!

By Sobia Ali

Not sure where to start? Baffled by what to do? Don’t worry!

I always require help outside classrooms and tutorials. If you’re struggling with homework and projects, need help with any kind of research and learning materials, where do you go? 

pods Scott Library brings you “The Learning Commons” – a great addition to the library services to support your learning in school. Currently providing 3 kinds of services, I have been able to use just 1 of them.

First of all and my most favored one is the Research service. I have used the research help desk in my first year for a marketing project. I had to research an existing public company, its values and cultures and introduce a new product that the company currently didn’t produce. The expert helped me plan my research, develop research questions, find resources and sort through ideas. I was also taught how to take quality notes, cite sources correctly, and share my findings effectively.

Next is the Learning Skills hub which integrates programs to enable faster learning approaches and balance school and school work. For example, time management skills, classroom and note taking skills as well as strategies to study for exams are few of them. You won’t believe how many students in university have difficulties managing time and I am certainly one of them. And that’s one reason I have never been able to use this service. Have you used a similar service or know of anyone who has? If yes, then is this service in the library or outside? How was your experience?

The Learning Commons pods I am usually confused about where to begin an assignment or where to go when in such a situation. I hope I am not the only one feeling this way. But sometimes the internet doesn’t provide much help. The Writing skills area helps you produce a wide variety of documents including dissertations, theses, organizing essays as well as improving your analytical skills.

These are excellent services that I recommend to anyone who needs. Did you know that these services were free of cost for all students? Most students I meet are not aware of this. Below is a video of the Learning Commons at Scott Library!

 

The coolest place to study

By: Cynthia Archer

Thanks for checking out this blog. We are seeking  the  advice, feedback, suggestions and commentary from students about York University Libraries buildings, collections and services. 

The atrium in Scott LibraryWhere is the coolest place to study?

During summer classes it is relatively easy to find the perfect place in the library to study, complete assignments or collaborate with colleagues. Do you come to the library to study?  Why or why not? Where is your favourite place?  What do you like about it?  What could make your favourite place even better?

My favourite study space must have lots of natural sunlight along with a great view. I will need a place to put my feet up and plenty of room to spread out my working materials.  Fortunately for me I can “tune out” most noises so I don’t need to use music for white noise or seek out a truly silent area. Lastly I usually want something to drink and nibble on while working on papers and reports. I have to tell you my office in Scott Three students sit at a table near the windows in the Fireside Reading Room at Frost LibraryLibrary is almost perfect. Its one shortcoming is that the windows don’t provide a panoramic view of the outdoors. Therefore the perfect place for me to work on assignments would be at one of the tables by the window in Fireside Reading Room at Frost Library, overlooking the rose garden with a cup of coffee and a handful of chocolate covered almonds. 

If you haven’t seen the Fireside Reading Room since its renovation last November, take a look at this video we created that showcases the space.