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Diamond's Hidden Gems

Diamond’s Hidden Gems – Academic Engagement Suite

The recent reopening of the third floor of the John C. Hitt Library has been long anticipated by students. In addition to containing new seating, study rooms, and Genesis (a colorful stained glass window you can relax in front of – I highly recommend it), the third floor also contains the Academic Engagement Suite.

What kind of help can you get in the Academic Engagement Suite?
– How to search for articles
– How to locate books
– Help with citations
– Answers to general questions about the library

The suite includes consultation rooms where students, faculty, staff, and the local community can meet in-person for one-on-one appointments with librarians for research assistance. If you’d like to schedule an in-person or virtual research consultation, visit the Appointment page on the Libraries’ Schedule website.

For additional information or questions, please visit the Academic Engagement Suite, located in Room 330 on the third floor of the John C. Hitt Library.

Graphic with UCF Logo and reads Business Database Workshops Bridging Users and Information

FREE Business Databases Workshop Series

Bridging Ideas and Information: Business Databases for Campus Innovators

If you’re an entrepreneurial student looking to gain a competitive edge, then you won’t want to miss our upcoming series of workshops on business databases. Our workshops are designed to help you navigate the complex world of business research and provide you with the tools you need to succeed. Register for one or more sessions go.ucf.edu/46UuRUa
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:


1. Navigating Industry Landscapes: A Deep Dive into Business Databases
January 25, 2024, 12noon – 1pm
Learn how to navigate the complex world of business databases and gain a deeper understanding of industry landscapes.

2. Decoding Company DNA: Advanced Techniques in Company Research
February 29, 2024, 12noon – 1pm
Discover advanced techniques for researching companies

3. Cracking the Market Code: Strategies for Effective Market Research
March 28, 2024, 12noon – 1pm
Learn how to crack the market code and develop effective strategies for market research.

4. Mapping Success: Demographic and Location Research for Entrepreneurs
April 18, 2024, 12noon – 1pm
Gain insights into demographic and location research and learn how to map your way to success.


All workshops will be held in room 170 of the John C Hitt Library and are open to UCF students of all majors.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of business research
and take your entrepreneurial skills to the next level!

Diamond's Hidden Gems

Diamond’s Hidden Gems – Welcome to Spring 2024

Welcome to Diamond’s Hidden Gems, a blog series in which I introduce you to the University of Central Florida’s library services that you may not have known about!

If you aren’t already familiar with this series, you’ve probably missed out on some advice that could’ve saved you money on textbooks, time locating research articles, energy finding a quiet place to study, and maybe even an opportunity to publicly present your art.

To read up on these things (because they are still available, you’re welcome) and stay up-to-date with future postings that will be equally as beneficial, look out for weekly Hidden Gems postings during the Fall and Spring semesters. I also write and post about various UCF Libraries events. If you’d like to read about opportunities to learn more and have fun, you know where to look. The series is located in the News section of the UCF Libraries website.

libtech banner logo

LibTech – Winter Intersession Lending Notes

LibTech will be performing a large inventory processing project during the Winter Break intersession and will need all items returned in order to process. Please note the following loan deadlines:

Loan PeriodLast Day for Checkout
4 Week ItemsNovember 17th
7 Day ItemsDecember 7th
3 Day ItemsDecember 12th
24 Hour ItemsDecember 14th
Returns OnlyDecember 15th, 18th – 19th
List of deadlines for lending LibTech items

Certain Items will become available again in January at various points after they have been processed through the inventory project. All items, including Semester Loan Laptops, will become available on the first day of classes, January 8th at 7:30am. Please call us at 407-823-2384 to verify stock status prior to January 8th.

Please note the posted LibTech Operating Hours to ensure we are available to assist when you arrive as there are many early closures in the next two weeks.

Thank you and have a great break!

Steelcase QT Booths promotional image

Introducing New State-of-the-Art Quiet Booths for Enhanced Library Experience 

Quiet Booth. Single occupant booth for short quiet activities.

In response to the persistent demand for increased quiet spaces and a commitment to enhancing the academic environment, the University of Central Florida Libraries installed 15 cutting-edge Steelcase QT pods, or “Quiet Booths”, in the John C. Hitt Library during the week of November 13-17, 2023. 

Acknowledging the common concerns of students regarding noise levels in the library, this initiative aims to address one of the most frequent complaints and requests received from library users. The installation of these booths aligns with the library’s ongoing efforts to provide conducive and comfortable spaces. 

The decision to acquire the booths was made possible through the current fiscal year’s technology fee funds from students. These sound-insulated booths are strategically placed across all five floors of the library, providing students with a dedicated space for phone calls, short online meetings, or simply a quiet moment for focused thinking. 

Among the 15 booths, five are designed for standing use, while the remaining ten have a small bench for sitting. The booths not only address the need for spaces to have private phone conversations but also contribute to minimizing disruptions in designated silent study areas. 

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