Libraries are one of the best tools for students especially in high school all the way up to post-graduate studies. However, most students fail to use the library effectively during their early student days. The problem is partly a lack of education on skills to using the library effectively.
What exactly do you want from the library?
Be very clear on what you want to read from the library. Never go to the library aimlessly. That is a recipe for a waste of time. You will also end up disturbing others in the library.
If you are going to the library for research and digging up additional material beyond your textbooks, jot down exactly what you are looking for. Most modern libraries today are equipped with photocopier machines. Mark the pages you wish to photocopy and get the photocopies for later reference. This saves a ton of time.
Carry a notebook and a pencil with you especially when you are taking notes from a reference section book.
If you are going to the library for picking up some fiction or non-fiction, you can often do it very quickly. A good way to do your homework is to study the reviews of the book on Amazon or any other book website. This will help you make your choices quickly in the library.
Ask the librarian
Never hesitate to ask the librarian about the location of the books. It is often faster at times than using the index reference. Constant small talk with the librarian helps you to stand out in the eyes of the librarian and often they go out of their way in referring the choicest books for you.
Explore the library for all genres.
Often we have our favourite sections in the library. We seldom explore beyond these sections.
Make it a point to keep aside an hour every week to explore sections that contain books that are not your established genres.
Who knows what new gem will open up a whole new world for you.
With these pointers, you will definitely ace the benefits you can draw by using the library effectively
Some additional tips for using the Library Effectively by Leah
