So, you think that the UNH Manchester library is just like your old high school library, right? Well, actually it’s much more than that. Of course the library has books and reference works that can aid you during research, and computers that are able to be utilized, but there are some things that set the UNH Manchester library above the rest.
Rachel Blair Vogt, Information Literacy Specialist, sheds some light on the services that the library offers that many new students don’t know about
1. Personalized Research Help
Did you know that you are able to make individual appointments with the librarians in order to help with research?
It doesn’t matter what type of assignment or where you are in your research, the librarians are there to help! Blair Vogt stated that “whether you are at the very end or the very beginning of your assignment, we can look at it and help find sources and discuss your research direction!”
2. If they don’t have it…
What if there is this great book that will help you with your research, but the UNH Manchester library doesn’t have it? Well, it is possible to get it from another library.
The UNH Library offers a service called Interlibrary Loan, which is a consortium of libraries that have a shared inventory of books, periodicals, and much more. It extends to Durham, New England, and even worldwide! There is more information about how to request material on the UNH Manchester Library web page.
3. The “Hidden Web”
As a student of UNH Manchester, you have access to a variety of article databases that the majority of other people don’t.
Through your tuition, UNH Manchester Library pays for these subscriptions which allows you to access these databases in order to conduct research for assignments. Also, did you know you can access them from home? All you need is your blackboard login! You aren’t limited to just working in the library or computer labs; you are able to choose your own study space!
4. Research Guides
Research is a daunting task; where do you start? What is a viable source?
“The librarians have done the work of taking tons of resources, distilling them to the key ones, and create these research guides which are tailored to each class” Blair Vogt said.
They include links to helpful websites, videos, and to other databases. You can also access guides from other classes; if you think that it will help with your research, you can look at it!
However, the librarians don’t do them for every class; the professor must request one, but there is no harm in checking if there is one already!
5. Study Help
The library isn’t just a power house for research help; they are also equipped with tools to help aid students with studying. This includes mobile white boards that can be taken across the library and used for study groups.
A group study room is available for students to reserve in order to meet and practice their presentation. This room also has tech hookups which allows students to project their computers in order to perform PowerPoints. Make sure you say hi to Nelly the Chicken, she holds the key to unlock the room.
They also have different zones in the library which designates how loud a person can be. The library has “tried to accommodate different styles of studying” Blair Vogt said, with the three zones. Look out for the letters on the walls and make sure you aren’t talking in the silent zone!
6. Renting Tech
The library does have a collection of books, DVDs, audio books, and reference material, but did you know that you can also rent various tech too? As a UNH Manchester student you are able to check out laptops, headphones, calculators, power cords, mice, and Ethernet cords. While there are some time restrictions for different items, this opportunity can be helpful if something is forgotten at home!
7. Textbooks on reserve
College isn’t cheap; textbooks are on the top of that list, but the library is here to help! The librarians have some textbooks on reserve from introductory classes that are at least half full and the textbook is over $100. These books are able to be checked out for use in the library and many students utilize the Book Eye, which can email scanned pages to your email account or flash drive.
Make sure you ask the librarians for a list of the textbooks on reserve before you choose not to buy!
8. Refworks
Do you ever feel overwhelmed and lose track of important information for papers and projects?
Blair Vogt stresses the use of Refworks, which is a citation management tool. It is completely free and it consolidates all of the research done; it can be separated into separate folders for different classes and can even generate a work cited page or bibliography in any format which Blair Vogt says is the niftiest part!
9. The library is always available!
Whether you access the databases at home or use one of the many social media outlets the library offers, you can be connected almost all day. The library has a Pinterest page where they post all the new films or books they acquire. They also have a Facebook page, which Blair Vogt says is filled with postings about events and other stuff that happens. “We give the ability for students to connect with us through the chat feature on our website” Blair Vogt said. There are tons of ways to get in contact with them even if you aren’t in the library.
These hidden gems are not just known to the seasoned UNH Manchester students anymore; new students are able to utilize these resources thanks to our wonderful librarians! Hopefully, this guide will help new students navigate the library and begin using what it has to offer the first day on campus.
Visit the library online and browse all of these great resources!
