Finals Week continues December 12-16
The days are getting shorter, it’s cooler outside, and the library is busier, all signs that the end of fall semester is near. Another indication is that Parks Library will be open around the clock during Finals Week. Students, faculty, and staff recognize the importance and scope of library services and that access to collections and facilities is key to academic success.
“It is always great to have the students back along with the energy they bring to the library. The library is here to support them as they focus on completing projects and prepping for finals,” said Hilary Seo, dean of library services. “We continue to offer 24/7 open hours to provide a quiet, distraction-free study space for them. Other student favorites return this semester, too, like Barks@Parks during Prep Week and fresh fruit and coffee during late-night hours.”
A variety of activities to foster student wellness will take place in Parks Library (Upper Rotunda unless stated otherwise) during prep and finals weeks:
- Hours for Barks@Parks during Prep Week: noon-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Follow the paw prints.
- During Barks@Parks, students are invited to visit the Study Abroad Center to spin a wheel for prizes and ask questions. A chance to win a study abroad scholarship will be offered.
- Coloring pages and books, puzzles, and games will be out to work on at your leisure.
- Mindfulness Room, Room 297, is available during library hours.
- Chair massages will be offered three days during Prep Week. There will be one chair available noon-3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
- ISU Student Wellness Peer Educators will be on hand to talk with students about wellness strategies and to hand out related items.
Students say the library is bright and full of other people engaged in coursework, too, which makes it a good alternative to a dorm room or apartment, especially at night. The library boasts reliable Internet access and USB ports and electric outlets for devices are plentiful. "Thanks to the renovation projects of recent years, we have a wide variety of spaces, including technology-equipped collaboration rooms and accessible, comfortable seating," said Hilary Seo, dean of library services. "Check the capacity alert on the library homepage to see if seating is available."
When students reach the point where they’ve had enough and need to rest, they are encouraged to go home to sleep. Over 10,000 people use the library each day and more during the next few weeks, and student academic success, safety and space are the focus areas for library staff.
Bookends Café in Parks Library will be open regular business hours. Students and faculty can stop by for food and fuel until 10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Thanks to our partnership with ISU Dining, free coffee will be available in the library at night during prep and finals weeks.
Additional Spaces and Resources
Special Collections and University Archives will maintain regular hours. For additional information about resources and services, visit the University Library website. For dining center information, visit the ISU Dining website. For campus IT information, visit the IT Solution Center website.
Contact
M. Monica Gillen, University Library communications specialist, 373 Parks Library, 515-294-1442