Finals Week Tips: How the Libraries Can Help
Take advantage of the Libraries’ resources and helpful staff—near or far!
Reach out to your Liaison Librarian
Search by subject to find an expert librarian who specializes in your topic or area of study! Then, simply schedule an appointment, or call/email your librarian for help finding resources or tools for your research.
Use Research Guides to find resources by topic
Stuck while searching for resources? You’re in luck! Our Research Guides cover over 265 specific topics, with curated recommendations on books, databases, streaming video, open access items, and more.
Find a quiet space
We’ve designated certain areas for quiet study, including:
- Carnegie Library Reading Room
- Quiet Reading Room, Bird Library – located on the Lower Level
- Quiet Computing Area, Bird Library – located on the 2nd floor, computer workstations available
- Plastics Pioneers Reading Room, Bird Library – located in Room 610 on the 6th floor
- Safire Room, Bird Library – located in Room 605 on the 6th floor
Need even more privacy? Reserve an individual study room
Reserve individual study rooms in both Bird and Carnegie Libraries, available for up to 3-hours at a time. Plus, choose a room with technology equipment to ensure a quiet spot for an online class, presentation or exam!
Brush up on the research process, including how to cite sources
Check out the blog post from Giovanna Colosi, Librarian for the School of Education, with helpful research tips and process recommendations, from narrowing your topic to correctly citing sources.
Virtually browse our online collections
Millions of items are available in our online collections, which can be searched through Summon.
For direct links to our online curated databases, visit:
Pick-up items from Bird Library
Borrow items from our physical circulating collections at the Check-Out desks, via UPS delivery, or through our contactless pick-up options at Bird Library, including item pick-up lockers:
To request that an item to be held in a locker for you:
- Find the item in our catalog. Under Holdings Information, check that it is marked “Available,” and select “Request this item.”
- Select “Bird Library Lockers” as your Preferred Delivery Method
- Complete the remaining form and select “Submit Request.”
- You will receive an email with an access code and QR code to scan notifying you that your item is ready.
- Head to the lockers, located first floor of Bird Library at the Waverly Avenue entrance, and proceed to the touch screen display.
- Scan your QR code or enter the numbered access code, and your item’s designated locker will open automatically.
For assistance or accommodations, call 315.443.5727 or email circhelp@syr.edu.
Borrow technology items
Visit the Check-Out desks in both Bird and Carnegie Libraries to borrow technology equipment, like laptops, headphones with microphones, and calculators. Most items are available for 3 hours, with limited quantities of laptops available for extended loan (14-days).
Request scanning or electronic delivery
Looking for a specific physical book from the Libraries? No problem. Anyone with a valid SU or SUNY-ESF ID can request a digital copy of journal articles or book chapters from our physical collections at Bird Library, Carnegie Library, or King+King Architecture Library.
To request a digital copy of an item:
- Log into SU Libraries’ Interlibrary Loan system.
- On the left side of the page, select “New Request” then “Article or Book Chapter.”
- Complete the form then Submit Request. Note that copyright law limits how much we can copy in some circumstances.
- Once the item is scanned, it will be electronically delivered to you.
Graduating? Here’s how we can continue to help!
Congratulations and great job! The Libraries offers some familiar resources to SU alumni, plus new resources to meet your information needs.
Contact us!
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Libraries with any questions. Our staff are ready to provide remote support to point you in the right direction. Simply choose the method that works best for you:
- Live chat on library.syracuse.edu—24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Text: 315.464.0744
- Email: libref@syr.edu
- Call: 315.443.4083
Don’t forget to take a break!
Self-care is important, so remember to get up often, drink plenty of water, talk with friends and family, and take part in campus partners’ study break events throughout finals week—like meditations with Hendricks Chapel, group fitness or e-sports, and more through the Barnes Center! The Barnes Center at the Arch staff is also here to help and support you every step of the way with counseling and other health services.
Your local public library also offers tons of free leisure material, from fiction and fantasy to e-books and audiobooks! John Stawarz, Online Learning Librarian, gives his tips and how-tos for accessing all of these relaxing resources!
The end is in sight! After a long and uncertain semester, we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished—and you should be proud, too! From your friends in the Libraries: best of luck on finals, and have a relaxing and restful summer break!