How the Library impacted on my studies: a student perspective: Ruth O'Hara, NUIM

How the Library impacted on my studies:A student perspective

Dr. Ruth O’Hara,NUI Maynooth

ruth.ohara@nuim.ie

• Research student perspective

• A view from the other side

Overview

A one-stop shop

• Dedicated postgraduate study area

• Meeting rooms

• Video conferencing

• Coffee shop!!!

Space and time

The building

• Opening hours• Swipe access• Study space• PC’s

A view from the other side

“Will this be on the exam?”

Getting back to basics• Finding a book• Information desk –vs– presence on the floor• Borrowing rights

Discovering what the Library has to offer

• Website

• Library training sessions

• Social media

• The role of a Subject Librarian

Library collections

• Physical collection- relevance, broad-ranging….• Electronic resources-

“Can I get it online?”• Inter library loans,

ALCID, SCONUL

Being all things to all people – What is the Library in the eyes of its users?

A place to write a thesis A place to print and photocopy?

A place to complain?

A place to write an essay?A place to use a computer?

A place to meet a supervisor?

A place to have tutorials?A place to fall asleep?

A place to study? A place to learn?

A place to get my PC fixed? A place to borrow a book?

A place to see an exhibition? A place to check Facebook?

A place to hangout? A place to have a coffee?

A place to...?A place to talk to a librarian?

A place to get information?

Conclusion

• Flexibility and accessibility• Adaptability – open to change and feedback• Maintain relevancy for a diverse student body• Try to be all things to all people!

Thank You!