As a student, finding the perfect study space is as essential to the study process as having the right books, notepads, pens, playlists, extra super-duper large coffee…well, you get the idea. As we power into the remaining weeks of the semester, we reached out to our Library Staff for their insight into their favourite secret/not-so-secret study areas in order to give you some new, or maybe not-so-new locations to prep for your exams.
Augustana Library
Study Space Recommendation: The back North-East corner of the main floor.
Why it’s so awesome: It’s a great quiet study space for working on online courses! There’s lots of light with views of the ravine (and any deer friends wandering by). Don’t forget to book your study carrel space in this room before you venture in!
Bibliothèque Saint-Jean
Study Space Recommendation: The study bar in the North-West corner of Bibliothèque Saint-Jean.
Why it’s so awesome: The view! Whether its watching the kids playing across the street at Rutherford School (a great distraction) or the amazing sunsets… Come and visit us!
Cameron Library
Study Space Recommendation 1: The Map Collection, Fourth Floor.
Why it’s so awesome: It’s a sweet (mostly secret) study spot with carrels that are adjacent to the beautiful North-facing views. The carrels spaced for physical distancing and since folks wear their masks, you feel safe studying.
Study Space Recommendation 2: The South-East corner of Cameron’s 3rd floor.
Why it’s so awesome: Adjacent to the female washroom, there is a small gaggle of individual study carrels overlooking the old Arts Building. The large windows are great for natural light, and the old timey-ness of the Arts Building is nice to look at when you need an eyeball break.
Rutherford Library
Study Space Recommendation 1: Rutherford Library North, Fifth Floor.
Why it’s so awesome: There are lots of cubicles and even some tables hidden within the stacks – if you’re lucky! It’s super nice & quiet, but sometimes in the winter there are weird crackling noises in the ceiling (I think it has to do with the old building’s heating system but I’m not entirely sure – it’s a mystery)!
Study Space Recommendation 2: Rutherford Library South, 2nd Floor Reading Room.
Why it’s so awesome: This room will take you back in time with its massively tall vaulted ceilings, chandelier, wood detailing and those sweet red curtains. The lighting is subdued, which is great if you thrive in that environment.
R: Rutherford South, 2nd Floor Reading Room. 📸: Junelle Mah
Scott Library
Study Space Recommendation 1: The Traditional Medicine Collection, located on the West side of Level 2 in the library (the main floor).
Why it’s so awesome: This lovely, nook has a couple of long tables in it. It’s great for a small, socially-distanced group or a few individuals who want an almost contained area to study in.
Study Space Recommendation 2: The room located next to the Traditional Medicine collection on Level 2 (the main floor).
Why it’s so awesome: Just off the main area of the library, this room is for those who like the hum of activity, without the distraction of being in the thick of it.
R: Room immediately South of the Traditional Medicine Collection in the Scott Library. 📸: Erin Sanderman
Weir Library
Study Space Recommendation: The Encana Study Hall on the 1st floor of the Law Library.
Why it’s so awesome: Because of its windows, the room has nice natural light. It is also a quiet study zone with some comfy seating as well as some study carrels.
Thanks for the read. All the best as you end off your semester! Many thank-you’s to our library staff for their contributions, as without you this blog post would not exist: Laurel Warkentin, Elisabet Ingibergsson, Kelsey Kropiniski, Eva Romanick, Doris Wagner, Sonya Leung & Erin Sanderman.
Love us on the blog? Chances are, you’ll love us on social media! Follow us, @uofalibrary, on Instagram & Twitter!
