LIBRARY MYTH BUSTER

What image comes to mind when you hear the word library? For a lot of us it’s a big building full of books with a strict lady saying “shush” if you get the least bit out of line. However, that image is history for most academic libraries and your Tech library is no exception.
Let’s get a few things straight:
MYTH 1: I USE GOOGLE, SO I DON’T NEED NO STINKIN’ LIBRARY. Web sites are only as good as their content, so the information in even the slickest looking site can be biased, inaccurate and out of date. The library spends thousands of dollars to subscribe to databases which can provide pre-approved (peer reviewed) information that you can access at home or in the library with your Digger ID. We’re also constantly developing and updating web pages devoted to resources in specific subjects (look on the library home page under Get Research Help/Subject Guides) to make your research even easier.

MYTH 2: THE LIBRARY ONLY HAS BOOKS. Actually, the majority of the library collection these days is electronic, including electronic books. Once you set up an account you can save electronic books to a bookshelf, make notes or highlight, and print only those sections you need instead of lugging the whole thing around with you. On the library home page the “Books” Search looks up both electronic and printed books. We also have thousands of databases, which are basically electronic information organizers. The library databases organize journals, and in the journals are articles; these articles are what you need to complete that research paper you were just assigned.

MYTH 3: DATABASES ARE TOO COMPLICATED. Actually, once you learn how to access information in one database, you can probably figure out most of them. Your reference librarians are only too happy to show you how to use them, and you don’t need an appointment; just stop by. You’ll see that databases often include tools to help you use the articles you find, including downloadable MP3 files, dictionaries, and citation makers. There are two ways to get to the library’s databases: Articles – Databases A-Z if you know the name of the resource you’re looking for, and Articles – Databases by Subject, which shows you only those databases that apply to a subject such as Petroleum or Nursing or English/Writing. In the next month or so we’ll be unveiling Digger Search which will make searching all of our library resources even easier.

MYTH 4: THE LIBRARY IS JUST FOR RESEARCH. As more and more students are discovering, the library is more of a collective intelligence center, the place to meet friends and work on your homework, projects or weekend plans on the first floor or in study rooms on the second floor. We also have videos, newspapers and magazines for when you need a break from those lecture notes and textbooks. In the near future we plan to add gaming options to two new computers. Plus, you’re welcome to bring in food and drinks, especially if you bring enough for the librarians!
In short, your Tech library is an ever-evolving space dedicated to meeting your needs as a student and developing professional. We rely on your input to be sure we know what those needs are, so feel free to stop by, e-mail or stay in touch via our Facebook page (Montana Tech Library) or Twitter (mtechlib).