Though most students know about Hale Library, K-State also has four other libraries.
Sara Kearns, associate professor and academic services librarian, said she encourages students to visit all of them.
“Beyond Hale, K-State’s Manhattan campus is also home to the Math and Physics library in Cardwell Hall, Weigel Architecture Library in Seaton and the Veterinary Medicine Library in Trotter Hall,” Kearns said. “In Salina, students can find the K-State Polytechnic Library. Not only do these libraries provide books, resources and staff with expertise, they offer a cozier library experience.”
Students can study at any of K-State’s libraries, but Hale Library has a designated quiet floor on the third floor. Students can study in peace at one of many tables or in the historic Great Room. It features stained glass windows, high ceilings and college murals.
If students need a quiet, reflective space for meditation or prayer, Hale Library also has a Meditation Alcove on the south side of the fourth floor. It is open to all students. The library only asks that students practice quietly and do not move furniture or leave personal items in the alcove.
Night owls and early birds alike can study any time at the Anita C. Lehner 24-hour study area on the first floor. It has Macs and Windows-based PCs as well as a printer. Students can get coffee and snacks at vending machines and at the Einstein Bros. Bagels shop next to the study area.
If you find yourself working on a group project, Hale has ample space to meet with your classmates on the first, second, and fourth floors. The first floor in particular has plenty of comfortable couches, tables and outlets.
When it comes to research, the K-State libraries have you covered. Besides the stacks and special collections filled with books on practically every subject imaginable, K-State gives all students access to more than 300 databases.
To access the databases, simply go to the K-State Libraries home page. Use the Search It navigation bar to search all databases at once or click Advanced Search or Databases to use specific databases.
K-State Libraries also offers research guides tailored to each major to make finding databases and resources easier. To see if your class has a research guide, click the Research Guide link in the middle of the Libraries home page and look under your major.
Before you buy your textbooks, check to see if they are available through Hale Library Reserves to save some money. Instructors can place items on reserve for students to check out. The loan periods vary from two hours to two weeks depending on the book.
If K-State does not have a book you need, you can still request it for free by setting up an Interlibrary Loan account. Digital items are typically ready to be downloaded in two to five days. Physical items can be picked up at the Library Help Desk in usually three to 10 days.
When it comes to technology, student resources do not end at databases. In addition to the numerous computers available throughout the library, Hale is also home to the IT Help Desk and the Media Development Center (MDC) on the second floor.
At the IT Help Desk, students can check out laptops, cameras and other equipment for free for up to three days. If you encounter issues with your computer, the IT specialists can help you troubleshoot solutions.
Just across from the IT Help Desk is the MDC, a high-end computer lab with 3D printers and a green screen. Students can work on video editing, scanning and editing images, creating audio recordings and much more there.
To learn more about everything else K-State libraries has to offer, you can explore their webpage, talk to a library help specialist at the Library Help Desk or through their online chat portal, “Ask a Librarian,” or call, text or email them. You can also follow K-State libraries on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and/or Flickr.
In the first week of classes, library employees will answer questions, provide campus directions and free water at the Info Oasis on the sidewalk between English/Counseling Services and Hale from Aug. 20 to 22.
Hale library will also host “Do Not Pass Go!: A Real Life Board Game” Aug. 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Students will explore all five floors of Hale Library and be eligible for prizes, including T-shirts.
More workshops and events happen throughout the semester, so check out K-State Libraries’ events page to see everything they have planned.
