How to Write an Essay Without Library Access at University
You're not the only student complaining about the limited access to resources, as double majors are struggling to get hold of the mandatory reading for their courses. One of them, a good friend of yours, pointed out that online books have expiry dates of a few days. It's really frustrating, as spring is the most challenging time of the year. Are there other things to try?
You spoke to the librarian, who asked you about your well-being. You found out that the library staff was coming up with innovative ways to stay engaged with college students. They could provide support, but you wanted to test their knowledge on certain subjects. One of them told you about Steinway Street in Queens, where that side of that borough had its own unique identity. (Middle Eastern restaurants lined both sides. Men playing backgammon. An Egyptian show blared from one of the cafes.) He also described the lamassu, which frequently appeared in Mesopotamian art, as a celestial being that kept members of a household from misfortune. (You regretted skipping a certain section of the British Museum during your holiday in England.) Another one, much older than you imagined, was upset at the unexpected end to the 93rd Academy Awards. (She might not like the sight of Glenn Close twerking in front of other attendees - and viewers.) And then another one, a hardcore Marvel comics fan, compared Tristan Strong to Sam Wilson, who became Captain America. (His speech deserved an Oscar.) All of this information was useful if you would write a paper on ancient Mesopotamia, on how to teach college students on letting go or on black superheroes (or Whoopi Goldberg's plan to direct a film about another female superhero disguising as an old, black woman). Your university is following the latest government Covid guidance, and as a result, the (university) library is operating on an essential access-only basis. And you don't want the librarian asking for the books back. You want to speak to the librarian. Again.
It's Our Job to Support College Students: How Library is Thriving in Pandemic
Librarians provide information you can trust. The coursework is a matter of life or death, so you must annoy the librarian. You might be surprised at how your librarian could have a bit of a laugh with students. They are also using social media (e.g. Twitter conversation), where they post interesting bookmarks they have found in the library. It might lack the thrill that you felt while Umberto Eco described a (medieval) library in "The Name of the Rose", but you would need help during this challenging time. Don't tell your librarian that mythology doesn't get more "old-school" than Mesopotamia (unless she read Sarwat Chadda's novels).
The pandemic highlights the ingenuity and ability of the library staff. Covid-19 has been library services the equivalent of what World War II was to arms manufacturing, one of them told you. She gave you a blank stare after you revealed the real identity of Madame Hydra. (She missed the final episode of "Falcon and the Winter Soldier".) The library staff created huge amounts of online content during the pandemic, which could reach several thousand views. You were delighted about the Lego-lized version of the Colosseum, arguably the greatest achievement of the ancient Romans. You wouldn't know it if not for one of the staff, but your assignment was something else. (It was about Hindu folklore in popular culture. Roshani Chokshi's works weren't good enough.) Don't hesitate to chat (for hours).
There are always different sides to all academic theories. The library staff is trained on detecting fake news hovering over a number of news resources, but you don't want to talk to your librarian on that topic alone. Know what logins, subscriptions and learning resources are available, which would ensure full access to e-databases and journals. Don't look for a (talking) globe, which would compare Gilgamesh to Hercules.
A Facebook group can be a good place to look for secondhand books. The pandemic forced you to study from home, which posed a number of problems. One of these would be the lack of secondhand books; you needed them for your essays, and it wasn't a problem during the pre-pandemic era. (You could rely on student clubs.) Facebook groups would be a lifesaver. (If you don't have a clue, ask your coursemates.) You must not worry about a student sending you a friend request. Need more help? Don't look elsewhere.
Have you heard of YouTube mimicking libraries? The answer to the question shouldn't surprise you, as many students missed what it was like going into the library. Virtual study sessions on Zoom are one way of avoiding loneliness, but you might want more. Ask your librarian about vital welfare functions. You might forget something.
Your professors regularly update the reading list. Your tutor may be annoyed at your emails, but you don't know who else to turn to. You will learn a great deal about online learning, if not master the ability to share screens and show specific articles. Your buddies would be grateful for it, as one might be confused about how to celebrate Graduation Day. You'll get there.
Have your librarian told you... that your library is providing bookable, socially distanced study areas. Other libraries are offering click-and-collect services, she adds. You're more interested in online books, if they can be downloaded a number of times. Ask before it's too late.
A Greatly Enhanced Version of a Librarian Near You
Your old mate, a native of West Yorkshire, would compare his community's library staff to the healthcare workers, calling people, checking whether they have enough food or need other support. Your library staff could do those things, if not more. If it doesn't meet your expectations, then you might want to offer assistance. There's still time for volunteering, as chatting could give you some helpful ideas on your remaining assignments. And you want to start thinking of what to do during the summer.
