Navigating Hicks Undergraduate Library: A Comprehensive Guide
The Hicks Undergraduate Library at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, stands out as a unique and vital resource for students. This article delves into the distinctive features of Hicks Library, its study spaces, available resources, and hours.
An Underground Oasis
Hicks Undergraduate Library is unique, primarily because it is the only library located underground on Purdue's campus. The only visible part of the library from the outside is its front doors, resembling a pyramid in the middle of the sidewalk.
Size and Space Allocation
Hicks is the biggest library on campus, accommodating a large number of students. This allows the library to allocate more space to create a better study environment for students than any other library.
Focus on Study Space
Unlike traditional libraries, Hicks Library prioritizes study space over a vast collection of books. Recognizing that books are not used as much nowadays, Hicks has decreased the number of books and created more study spaces. This makes it an ideal location for students seeking a quiet and resource-rich environment to focus on their work.
Diverse Study Areas
The Hicks Undergraduate Library offers a variety of study areas to cater to different learning preferences.
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Private Study Rooms: There are 17 private study rooms available for students who need a quiet, enclosed space for focused work or group projects.
Study Carrels: Over 200 study carrels provide individual study spaces for students seeking a distraction-free environment.
Long Tables: For larger groups, long tables are available to facilitate collaborative work and discussions.
Comfortable Seating: The library also features comfortable areas with couches and chairs, offering a more relaxed setting for studying or reading.
Resources Available
While Hicks Library may not have a large collection of books for checkout, it offers a variety of resources to support students' academic endeavors.
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Reference Section: The library has a reference section with encyclopedias, dictionaries, world maps, and many other books available for reference.
Literature: There is a variety of international and contemporary literature available to either read in the library or to check out.
Magazines and Newspapers: The library offers a selection of magazines and newspapers for students to stay informed and updated on current events.
Multimedia: Also available for checkout at the library is a huge selection of movies on DVD and videocassette. The library also has a lot of multimedia equipment to help students get work done.
Operational Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7am
- Friday: 7am
- Sunday: 1pm
Additional Services on Campus
- Academic Testing Center: By appointment only.
- CMC Student Health: Students are strongly encouraged to make appointments for non-emergencies. Daily.
- University Libraries: B&W and Full-color printing is available at the Library.
- Student Computing Services - General Access Labs: Full-color printing is available in the CAI Lab, Wall 204 and Library.
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