Category: John C. Hitt Library

Diamond's Hidden Gems

Diamond’s Hidden Gems – De-Stress in the Library

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.

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Zen Zones 

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 (5th Floor) 

Welcome to the highest and quietest floor of the John C. Hitt Library. The 5th 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 5th floor houses several ergonomic seating and focus options designed for extended study sessions. The 5th floor is more than just a study space, it is a sanctuary for those seeking serenity in the center of a very busy campus. 

Welcome to the highest and quietest floor of the John C. Hitt Library. The 5th 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 5th floor houses several ergonomic seating and focus options designed for extended study sessions. The 5th 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 5th floor from our Citronaut, Puff, and Vinny stairwells or elevators 1 – 5. 

Study Carrels and Earplugs 

Two women with ear plugs sitting and laughing while reading on a blue upholstered chair

For those looking for a quiet experience in a busier location, the library offers free earplugs upon request. With earplugs as your truest sidekick, you’ll become comfortable with the ability to transform the busiest floors into your own sanctuary. Floors 1 – 3 offer individual seats and study carrels that paired with earplugs can become a subdued study haven. Earplugs help block out environmental sounds, allowing patrons to focus on their studies without distraction. The activity around you and the sight of your peers also studying often makes a great backdrop to increase motivation and competition of focused work.  

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. 

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Bookbinding Workshop for Students and Library Patrons

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

Celebrate UCF Libraries, Excellence in Professional Service, Kristine Shrauger

Excellence in Professional Service 2024 – Kristine Shrauger

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!

Celebrate UCF Libraries, Excellence in Librarianship, Lily Dubach

Lily Dubach Receives the 2024 Excellence in Librarianship Award

Congratulations to Lily Dubach who has been selected as the 2023-24 Excellence in Librarianship Award winner! The UCF Excellence Awards honor faculty teaching, research, service and advising achievements across campus each year. Lily has been a librarian at UCF since 2017 and is currently the Textbook Affordability Librarian. In this role, she uses her expertise to help faculty find and use free-to-student course materials to replace costly textbooks, so that every student in class has equal and affordable access to these resources.

Since 2016, UCF faculty have taught over 2,317 classes using library-sourced materials, in turn impacting over 107,072 students and potentially saving them over $7.9 million.

Source: https://library.ucf.edu/textbook-affordability/savings/

As Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Instructor Vicki Lewis stated in her letter of support for Lily’s award: “Ms. Lily Dubach has been a dedicated UCF employee for many years, and she consistently works tirelessly to serve the institution, its students, and faculty members. The work that she does in her role in the UCF Library system has had a significant impact on my work as an academic instructor and as a result, on my students’ learning.”

Lily’s contributions and work with her colleagues have indeed enhanced teaching and learning at UCF and enriched students’ lives by helping them attain their goals. This award is a solid acknowledgement of her innovation in librarianship and her ability to have an impact here at UCF!

For faculty interested in exploring affordable course materials, please reach out to Lily Dubach, or visit https://library.ucf.edu/textbook-affordability/ to get started. You can also see if your textbook is available as a library eBook by using the eTextbook Check/Request Form

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