In the film, Jamie La Rue, Library Director of Douglas County Colorado, says it is “perverse to say ‘run it like a business’ ” in reference to libraries.  Personally I agree.  It’s not a business, although it does resemble one in many ways. It’s a service which does not bring in any revenue. The point is not to make a profit but to meet the needs of the community.

Thoughts?

The library now has recreational reading materials (in other words, fun books) available. These books are located on the second floor of the library, in the corner just past the children’s section. You don’t have to check out these books.  Just take what you want and bring it back when you’re finished.  Or, pass the book to someone else who will enjoy it.

Some of the authors we currently have available are John Grisham, Robin Cook, Janette Oak, Anne Tyler, and James Patterson. Plus there are a lot of authors I’ve never heard of. Sometimes these are the best choice - there’s nothing like discovering an new author you love.

Generally, academic libraries don’t collect popular fiction and other fun books. Some would argue that providing recreational reading falls outside our responsibility and should be left to the public library but I disagree.

First of all, students aren’t our only patrons. Staff members have expressed an interest in borrowing books to read over lunch or for pleasure reading at home. This is a great way to provide for that.

Also, I believe any reading is a good thing, an exercise for the imagination, an excursion into someone else’s world. Even if that world was created by Danielle Steele, there is benefit in this form of escape.

Literary works, part of the regular library collection, are important in the educational experience. Many of these are also read for pleasure. There’s a reason why authors such as Mark Twain, Edith Wharton, and Jane Austin have lasted this long: they tell a good story.

Still, sometimes you need a break. You need to read something fun and light, something to relax with and not worry about the test that follows. Sometimes, you just need a little brain candy.

Stop in and check out the display of books on surviving college (second floor near popular magazines and newspapers). I chose these books based on the kinds of questions and concerns I’ve heard from incoming students, including adult students who’ve been away from school for a long time.

Remember that my job is to help you learn to use the library’s resources. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help using library resources or getting started on your research paper. 

Some of the books displayed are:

How to Get A’s in College consists of advice from real students in areas such as time management, choosing classes, writing papers, and handling stress.

Going Back to School: College Survival Strategies for Adult Students has a lot of great advice on general college success issues but focuses on issues common to returning adult students.  It includes information on time management, taking tests, speaking in front of the class, coping with math anxiety, and balancing family and academics.

Conquering Math Anxiety discusses learning styles, math study skills, tips for working through anxiety, and the relationship between math anxiety and test anxiety.

Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog is an excellent resource for learning solid techniques for conducting research.  It includes advice on effective use of the internet, using journals and magazines, and writing the final paper.