Finals season can be a difficult time—students are tired from putting effort into their classes all semester and they just want break to start so that they can have some time to recharge, but before they can relax they have to wade their way through tests, essays and presentations that make up a huge part in their final class grade.
Getting ready to survive finals week is an arduous task that can leave many people feeling somewhat lost and alone. That’s why the NDSU Library, with years of experience in what students need during finals week, is ready to help, with tons of resources available for students who just want to survive until the end of the semester. The library kicked off its finals activities on Friday, Dec. 6th for Finals Focus Week, the week before finals when it is time for everyone to focus up and lock in.
Starting on Sunday, Dec. 8th, the library will be extending its closing hours until 2 a.m. the 8th-12th and the 15th-17th. It will also be extending its typical weekend hours on Saturday the 14th and remaining open until 7 p.m. This year study rooms will be available to be reserved for the entirety of the time the library is open. “They always get checked out really far in advance, so we’re trying to extend those hours that they’re available”, said Kelsey Knewtson, the library’s Marketing and Programs Coordinator.
Students who find they are struggling with their work can go see Lydia Larson, the new Student Success Librarian. “If you’re having trouble find good resources for projects, or if you’re having trouble with the citation style—I’m willing to help with anything!” Larson said. Even if she doesn’t know the answer to a specific question a student has, Larson can help locate someone who has the answer or help students work through what they are struggling with until they have an idea of how to solve it.
In addition to providing a space to study, there will be several special events held at the library to give students the motivation to keep going. Throughout finals week and the week prior there will be fun activities like sticker mosaics, coloring sheets, cookie decorating and a visit from miniature horses to give students a chance to take a break from studying. There will also be different snacks provided throughout the week, including a coffee cart that members of the Blue Key Honor Society will bring through the library and a late-night cereal bar that will provide milk and a variety of cereal for students to enjoy.
One new activity the library will have this year is book shredding, where students can take out their frustrations by destroying books that were bound for the recycling bin. “What better way to destress than to absolutely tear a book apart? I tried to find the most irritating-looking books I could for people to get their anger out,” said Knewtson, adding that this event will be using select old books only and that not all of the books in the library will be available for shredding.
“We try to take into account what students are looking for and how we could serve them,” said Knewtson. “Our goal is to make finals better every year!”