34 / BACK TO SCHOOL / MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
CAMPUS
Libraries offer variety of study options
Watson Library
BY ALISON CUMBOW editor@kansan.com
Anschutz Library
Lawrence has many coffee shops, libraries, friends' living rooms and quiet corners in which to study. Some of the best places — or at least the most popular — include the several on-campus libraries.
Here's a brief guide to get you acquainted with some of the libraries on campus.
ANSCHUTZ LIBRARY
The bad side: The major problem is its noise. It seems like some students think Anschutz is the newest raging bar in Lawrence, and it's got quite a following. Even the "quiet zones" are loud, and it's not fun to try and learn Spanish verb conjugations next to someone who doesn't know proper headphone-volume etiquette.
The good side: There are lots of computers, table space and it's open 24 hours. There's a place to get food and even a pencil, pen and paper machine if you find yourself in a crunch. Other students can help you with your papers on the main floor in the Writing Center if you need it.
WATSON LIBRARY
The bottom line: Anschutz is a stop-before-your-next-class-to-do your homework-really-fast place not an ideal final exam study spot.
The good side: The stacks — they offer anonymity to students who don't like to study with friends and who need alone time to concentrate. It gets cold in there, and the sounds of the elevator mixed with the old-book smell makes you feel like you're
in another time period. When you need a break, try and find the book with the oldest checkout date on it. The other good side is the meeting areas on the main floor — there's a place to get food, including soup and hot chocolate, and, of course, coffee.
During exam weeks, the library will give out free coffee and hot chocolate to late-night studiers.
The bad side: You've probably already been here at least three times to do a library "tour" and to learn how to search for things on the Internet.
It's not open all night, and only until 3 a.m. during finals weeks.
The bottom line: Watson can get you in the zone to study, but you get jolted out of the zone pretty quick when you can't stay past midnight during the semester.