SBU Libraries: More Than Just Books

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Janet Clarke

SBU Libraries is more than just a collection of over 2.1 million books, journals, and databases, though those are, arguably, our greatest asset.

We also offer plentiful areas for study, whether it be group study rooms, quiet hideaways, or interactive work centers for sharing ideas with the latest technology. Though all these things are great, what some students might not know is that we also offer fun events to help introduce students to our staff and services in more creative ways.

The following list of events are either ongoing activities already being offered, activities in the works, or future projects that we hope to present for the student population at some point within the upcoming year. We would like to hear from you, so please express your interest HERE if any of all of the topics listed below are of interest to you. Don’t see something you like buy know of something else that you might like to see provided? CONTACT US and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

Scavenger Hunts

Last Fall the Library hosted its first photo scavenger hunt, which was a big success. This lengthy and elaborate hunt led students across campus to our various branches and required them to utilize our resources, both in-house and online, to learn about all we have to offer. Free food was offered, great prizes were won, and fun was had (we hope) by all who participated. This year, as a tribute to National Talk Like a Pirate Day, we hope to offer the hunt again for all those interested in searching for the treasure of hidden knowledge. Keep a lookout for future advertisements!
In addition to this large scale hunt, smaller specialized events can be created for individual courses of subject areas. Professors, let us know HERE if you would like to have a fun and educational hunt created for your students to teach them how the Library might best benefit them in their studies. Advance notice required.

Library Mystery

One hopeful addition to some general library information workshops is a Library Mystery game that utilizes all the material covered in your course. This includes how to find material in the catalog and on the Library’s webpage. This activity is pending, but we’d like to hear from you if you’d be interested in trying it out. EMAIL US if this sounds interesting to you.

Stress Relieving Button Making Session

During stressful exam time, we offer a midday break by allowing students to stop by our booth across from the Central Reading Room to create their own Get Your Read on button. Feel free to bring your personal 2″ pictures to create your own, or choose from any of our magazines or pre-made templates to show your Library pride. Free fruit and juice is also provided to help refuel.

Weekly Trivia Questions

Stop by the Information Desk in the Central Reading Room to read this week’s trivia question. Learn new strange and unusual facts each week as we pick your brain and test your knowledge. Find the answers on the Library’s facebook page. Not our friend? LIKE US now!

Contests

The Central Reading Room occasionally has contests with gift cards as prizes, the most recent of which was a race to see who would be the one to ask the 250th reference question. Such competitions are fun, but they also encourage students to take advantage of our useful services and learn at the same time!

Video Contest

It is our hope that we can put together a video contest in the upcoming year, asking students to submit their own videos about their favorite place to be in the Library. More information about this pending project will be coming soon!

Book Exchange Program

You may have noticed a bright colored boat stationed in the Central Reading Room, across from the Reference Desk. This boat was sailed by Library staff members in the 2012 Roth Regatta race, where they took 2nd place in the Speedster division. The vessel is now used to house donated books that can be taken by interested students and staff alike. The idea is simple. See something you like? Take it to read at your leisure, no need to check it out. All we ask is that you either return it when you’re finished or replace it with a book of your own for others to read. Spread the word and encourage everyone you know to get their read on!