News & Blog

The University of Central Florida hosts a variety of resources designated to making sure students are emotionally, mentally, and physically well. The need for these services only increases around finals, where students tend to forgo their well-being in order to prioritize time for studying and certain grades.

The UCF Library will be hosting two events that will allow students to shed the stress and anxieties that come with preparing for and taking course finals.

The first event is Cookies and Coloring. The organizers have intended this event to be a giant thank you, where they share their appreciation for your utilization of library services and express that you are always welcome in the space. Enjoy cookies, drink offerings, and the summery atmosphere. Coloring pages, crayons, and coloring pencils will be provided. This will be the second time this event has been held, and attendees are welcome to provide feedback! This event will be held on April 25 from 7 pm to 9 pm in Room 402 in the John C. Hitt Library.

The second event is Random Acts of Snacks. During finals week, library employees will distribute small, free snacks throughout the John C. Hitt Library to help fuel finals preparation. Keep in mind that Random Acts of Snacks is, indeed, random; there are no particular times or room numbers to be aware of. Instead, keep an eye out for a friendly face (and their snacks) as you study during the week.

Taking your course finals is a necessary part of your academic journey, and preparing for them is a vital step. This includes more than just reviewing your notes and memorizing information. Preparing includes ensuring that you are mentally, emotionally, and physically sound enough to withstand long exam periods and apply the knowledge you have spent the semester collecting. The UCF Student Government (SG) hosts events intended to help you with this process!

Founded on the idea of raising awareness about the stress students face during finals, KRAM for the Exam events encourage realistic expectations for individuals who may forgo their emotional, physical, and mental well-being in order to prioritize their grades.

This semester’s KRAM for the Exam includes a “Stress-Free Stroll” on Monday, April 15 from 11 am to 1 pm at Memory Mall and a “Coffee Break” on Wednesday, April 17 from 11 am to 1 pm by the stairwell on the 3rd floor of the John C. Hitt Library.

To know when and where these events are planned, follow the UCF SG social media accounts and visit the SG Events website. If you have any questions about KRAM for the Exam events, please contact the UCF Student Government at (407) 823-3291, sgafrontdesk@ucf.edu, or visit Room 346 of the Student Union.

Navigate to “Diamond’s Hidden Gems – KRAM for the Exam” in STARS to view the full version of this post and learn about past KRAM for the Exam events.

The library has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet place to study, reflect, or enjoy a fun read, these spaces are perfect for you! Check out these tranquility tips for activating your calm in the John C. Hitt Library. 

Quiet Booths 

In our bustling library, we are proud to offer students a portal to peace. As you walked through the building, you may have noticed Quiet Booths strategically placed throughout the library. These sound reducing booths are located across various floors for individual use. The Quiet Booths, offer an opportunity of uninterrupted focus and concentration.  Each booth has USB-A and USB-C ports, perfect for charging a personal device. The booths are a perfect pairing of comfort and function providing a great way to study, participate in a short online meeting, or engage in a moment of solitude.   

Tip: Quiet Booths are located on floors 1, 3,4, & 5 

Silent Study (5^th Floor) 

Welcome to the highest and quietest floor of the John C. Hitt Library. The 5^th Floor, which occupies the half of the building by the Legacy entrance, is where silence blends with concentration and calm to create the perfect study space. Rustling pages, soft key typing, and soft pen strokes make up the soundtrack. The 5^th floor houses several ergonomic seating and focus options designed for extended study sessions. The 5^th floor is more than just a study space, it is a sanctuary for those seeking serenity in the center of a very busy campus. 

Tip: Patrons can access the 5^th floor from our Citronaut, Puff, and Vinny stairwells or elevators 1 – 5. 

Study Carrels and Earplugs 

Tip: Visitors can request earplugs from any service desk at all of the Libraries. 

Study Rooms 

Interested in group study? Check out our study spaces available at all branches of UCFLibraries. Room sizes and usage policies vary across locations so check out the most up to date information on our website. 

Tip: Study rooms can be reserved in advance. 

April 11, 2024, 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Free bookbinding workshop for students and library patrons:

The Simply Sewn Book: Japanese Stab Binding with Western Materials with David Nees
John C. Hitt Library
UCF Main Campus, Room 170, First Floor

Workshop description:
The tradition of book binding goes back thousands of years, spanning not only time but place as well. This workshop is to introduce the participants to Japanese Stab Binding and creating a book in that tradition with Western materials. The structure is beautiful, simple, and functional.

Class Duration: 2.25 hours

Required Skills: Folding paper, cutting with scissors and X-acto knife.
Some basic materials will be provided; however, participants are encouraged to bring papers and tools (awls  and waxed thread are particularly needed). Copy paper and some cardstock will be available, but you are welcome to bring other papers / cardstock / decorative paper to construct their books and possibly to share.  

Limited to 15 participants.

Free event

Register to RSVP: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02HIeS1HqIQKkYK

Hosted by Special Collections & University Archives and the Book Arts Guild of Central Florida

Congratulations to Kristine Shrauger for winning the 2023-24 Excellence in Professional Service Award!

This faculty award is to honor a member who demonstrates a record of excellence in service to the University of Central Florida and professional service. Besides contributions to the library profession, Kristine has served on the Faculty Senate for nine years, including several years as the Secretary.

Only one Professional Service Award is available each year for the entire university. We are so proud of Kristine to be the first librarian winning this award!