7 library resources to stay productive during mid-terms
The University Libraries have a number of resources to help you stay productive during mid-term season including extended Norlin Common hours—now open 24 hours Monday through Thursday.
1. Study later in the Norlin Commons
Night owls rejoice! The Norlin Commons is now open 24 hours Monday through Thursday with Buff OneCard access. On Fridays the Commons is open 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and resumes 24 hours at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
2. Brick your phone and focus
In collaboration with Health & Well-Being, all five campus libraries now offer Brick, a simple tool to help you stay focused and reduce digital distractions. Tap your phone on the Brick device to temporarily block selected apps—such as social media—for as long as you choose, then tap again when you’re ready to reconnect.
3. Take a call in the Norlin video booths
The Norlin Commons now has two closed booths designed to support more private virtual meetings, interviews, phone calls and focused work. No reservations needed!
4. Ask a librarian to help you find resources for your term papers
When it comes to class assignments and research, asking a librarian is the ultimate hack. They can help you at all phases of the process. Librarians are available in-person at the Ask a Librarian desk in Norlin Library, virtually via chat, email or phone, or through one-on-one, pre-scheduled consultations. Plan ahead and ask early. Some materials take time to find and arrive.
5. Take advantage of library tech items
We check out device chargers, iClickers, noise-cancelling headphones, calculators, laptop accessories and more to support your studies while at the library. We also recently added new large monitors in Norlin for you to hook up your device to provide extra screen space for those more demanding platforms like Adobe Creative Suite and ArcGIS.
6. Support your wellness with free health supplies
A new Health Promotion vending machine is now available on the first floor of Norlin Library. The vending machine provides free health and wellness supplies including Cold Care Kits, Sleep Kits, tissues and more. Access the machines using your Buff OneCard.
7. Take a break in a nap pod
Sometimes taking a mental break from your studies is the most productive thing you can do. Nap pods are available on the first floor of Norlin Library. The pods incorporate ergonomic design, sleep music and a gentle wake sequence to create an optimal environment for a power nap. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
