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by Susan V. Wawrzaszek, Acting
University Librarian
Ain't Dead Yet
To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of the library
have been exaggerated.
Yes, we offer electronic resources that you can access from your
office or from off-campus.
Yes, we offer online forms that allow you to request an
interlibrary loan from the comfort of your own workspace.
Yes, we even offer professional research assistance online, 24
hours/day, 7 days/week.
Even so, we aren’t lonely at all. In fact, use of the
Libraries is increasing. We’re still answering reference
questions, teaching classes in research methods and the critical
analysis of information resources, and taking appointments for
research consultations.
It seems the more we make available online, the more people want
to interact with us, and with each other. The number of requests
for group study spaces in the Libraries keeps increasing. The
Libraries are learning spaces. It was never our intent to keep
people away from the Libraries by offering the convenience of
online access to services and information. Using our e-services is
like ordering groceries online: you can buy a bunch of nutritious
food and never go hungry, but you’ll also never discover that
hidden spice in aisle 12. You might find a full text article online
through one of our many journal subscriptions, but unless you talk
with a librarian you may not find the other three articles you
could use, or the printed volume with other relevant
information.
People are realizing that the online world of information is a
lot more complicated than Google makes it seem. Learning how to
find and analyze information isn’t just a quaint library
skill – it’s a skill we all need and use everyday.
“Learning” itself has also changed. Group study and
collaborative work are common now, and the Libraries offer the
ideal space for students to work together, surrounded by
information resources and expert assistance.
Despite some assumptions to the contrary, our Libraries continue
to be the heart of learning and information for the Brandeis
community. So, come on in, we’ll be happy to see you! The
joint is hopping!
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