Introduction to Library Resources

You may already be familiar with using high school libraries and public libraries. But if you are new to using college libraries, it is important to understand that they differ from high school libraries and public libraries in several key ways:

• College libraries are often open for more hours each day than K-12 libraries and public libraries. In addition, college libraries provide 24/7 access to their online materials such as e-books and databases containing scholarly articles.
• While K-12 and public libraries typically have smaller collections of books and other materials that meet the needs of their users, a college library contains more materials that delve more deeply into specialized topics. These materials support the courses offered at the college, and the research needs of its students and faculty.
• College libraries usually provide spaces for individual study and research, as well as group study rooms and other meeting spaces.
• College libraries typically provide greater access to technologies such as personal computers, the internet, e-books, electronic databases, printers, and computer labs.
• In addition to the popular magazines carried by K-12 and public libraries, college libraries also provide access to many scholarly journals in specialized fields and academic disciplines.
• Instead of the Dewey Decimal Classification used by K-12 and public libraries, most college libraries organize their materials by the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system. See this link for more information about how materials are organized by LCC in a college library: https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit03/libraries03_04.phtml
• College libraries offer reference help, research consultations, and help with using their various resources.