This interview is part of a recurring feature — “How Does It Work?” — spotlighting operational or administrative departments, teams or processes you might not know about, but who keep the Drexel cogs moving each and every day!
Have you ever winced after finding out the price of your courses’ required textbooks for a new term? How many times have you needed a last-minute calculator for an exam? Drexel University Libraries (DUL) are filled with untapped services and resources — and free textbook and equipment rentals barely scratch the surface of what’s available for student use.
Executive Director Ann Yurcaba and Director of Services and Quality Improvement John Wiggins recently shared information to help students brush up on their library literacy and learn how they can take advantage of all that DUL has to offer.
Q: Explain the purpose of Drexel Libraries. What kind of resources and services do you provide students?
A: The Drexel University Libraries provide resources and services critical for students’ academic and lifelong success. To name just a few of the things we offer:
- 24/7 study spaces in W. W. Hagerty Library
- Print and electronic books, journals, databases and tools to help with research and coursework
- In-person (and online!) consultations with Libraries staff
- Printing and scanning
- Equipment — borrow laptops, dry erase markers, lockers, portable power chargers, headphones, calculators and more!
Q: How can students take advantage of DUL resources and services?
A: Students can visit us online or at our physical locations to study, work in groups or talk with our great information experts. Our main library — the W. W. Hagerty Library — is located on the University City Campus at 33rd and Market streets and includes the Dragons’ Learning Den, our 24/7 study space. We also just reopened the Library Learning Terrace at 33rd and Race streets so students can study and work there. We’re so excited to offer that space again (the University was using it as a COVID testing and vaccination site for the last few years).
Q: How does DUL support student research?
A: In addition to providing access to a wide variety of materials including books, journals, databases, research guides, and self-guided tutorials, our librarians provide help with course-related projects, strategies for finding and evaluating authoritative information, and approaches to utilizing, organizing and presenting research. Students can also live chat with a member of the Libraries’ staff via the Libraries’ website. This service is terrific for quick questions or to initiate contact with our staff.
Q: What kind of learning environments does DUL facilitate for students?
A: The Libraries offer 24/7 access to flexible, informal learning environments, technology, and online resources and expert guidance to support the self-directed learner. The Libraries’ furnishings and spaces serve to inspire and enable active learning — whether you’re working alone or in groups. Students regularly tell us they love the library because it’s a place where they can come to focus and concentrate and get away from distractions at the dorm or other buildings on campus. Our website also shares guides and tutorials to assist learners at whatever moments they find they seek input or advice.
Q: Can you share your favorite service or resource for students provided by DUL?
A: Our study spaces! We offer a number of seating options to help students focus and succeed in their plans. You can reserve seats in our quiet study areas and the group study rooms in W. W. Hagerty Library. The Dragons Learning Den is perfect for group work or if you want to eat a meal between classes, and it’s open 24/7! W.W. Hagerty Library also has a variety of informal learning environments, including some equipped with technology and others where tech can be borrowed and used to connect for hybrid group work.
We also have a wellness “center” next to the Service Desk on the first floor of the library. Students can browse items and resources on the table then visit the Service Desk with questions or to check out supplies, including wellness equipment like sound machines, ear plugs, games and puzzles for those looking to give their concentration a break, and yoga mats and balls so they can stretch and energize between study sessions. We are also excited to announce we are working to open a Wellness Room later this year, which will be located in the Dragons’ Learning Den.
Q: What’s one thing you want the student community to know about DUL?
A: We love getting student feedback about library services, information resources and spaces. We use student feedback whenever possible to improve what we do in ways that students can see and value. Please share your feedback by sending an email to library@drexel.edu!
To learn more about the resources and services provided by DUL, you can email LibAssist@drexel.libanswers.com, visit the service desk at the W. W. Hagerty Library or head to the Drexel University Libraries website for more information.