Studying. It's something every student here at UW-Madison must do in order to succeed. However, there is much controversy surrounding the best place to study as the university contains more than 40 libraries.
Which library offers the least distractions? Where can students go to socialize in addition to studying? Which library fulfills specific needs to fit the diverse study habits of students? The Daily Cardinal reviews some of the most popular libraries on campus.
There's no denying it: This library has got it all. From its tucked away cubicles to its lively group-study area, there's a little something for everyone. Besides the larger room on the first floor designated for silent study, there are many other quiet areas. For example, the periodical room contains dozens of cubicles where it is so quiet you can almost hear a pin drop.
One drawback is that the cubicles are quite small, making claustrophobic students a little uncomfortable.
The group study area on the first floor is the place to be, but it can get pretty loud at times.
\I love the group study area in College Library,"" said UW-Madison freshman Marlo Dobrient. ""It's a good place where people come together.""
For study that requires computers, the second floor lab is accommodating. About half of the computers have a floppy disk drive and the front desk even checks out zip disks.
An additional aspect to note is the abundance of vending machines. While more juice options would be nice, there is plenty of soda, coffee and snack food available with a swipe of a WiscCard and the touch of a button.
Most of the seating is not nap-friendly, but there are relatively comfortable chairs on the second floor complete with tables for foot rests.
Located in the Elvehjem, there's one thing about this library that makes it stand apart from the rest: the chairs. In the center of this small, quaint library one can find several large, plush, luxurious leather chairs just begging to be sat in.
However, it may not be a great idea to plunge in when there is much studying to be done. These chairs are so comfortable it's a struggle to avoid drifting into a deep sleep.
Also, napping in these chairs may not be for the faint of heart, especially if someone is prone to drooling, snoring or any other unattractive sleeping behavior.
Attending this library in order to study may prove difficult for other reasons as well. There are a few computers and some study tables which are usually engaged.
The art library is very quiet, however, and there are few distractions if one does find a place to lay their books. Food and drinks are not allowed.
UW-Madison senior Jessica Koss, said she actually accomplishes a lot at the library.
""I like that it is small and it's low-key,"" she said. ""It seems like people come here to do work.""
Located on State Street, Memorial Library provides quite the contrast to the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. Upon entering through the revolving doors, the library almost takes on a museum-like ambiance. This atmosphere continues while ascending the wide marble staircase past tables with gold lamps.
Intimidating signs prohibiting the use of computers for recreational purposes cause one to wonder what might happen if caught sending an email.
There is a computer lab available for all other needs downstairs. A fewer number of computers have floppy disk drives, and it is often difficult to find even one available computer. This room also tends to be hot and stuffy and the computers are crammed next to one another.
The lower levels, where the periodicals and study cages are located, have to be the creepiest sections of any of the libraries.
With their ominous, tall stacks of books, labyrinth-like setup and lights that flicker on when you walk past, these sections appears to be straight out of a murder mystery. Brave students can even lock themselves inside the cages for some serious studying.
""If you're hard core into getting things done it's a good library, plus it's open 24 hours,"" said UW-Madison junior Eli Gronowski.
Conveniently located for Lakeshore residents, Steenbock encompasses all the basic needs of a student. Steenbock is very quiet, has many seating areas and contains a satisfactory and often unfilled computer lab. Though nothing in particular about this library seems to stand out, one may find that it's the little details that make this a nice place to study.
For example, although the library is sufficiently lit, the spacious cubicles have lamps for additional visual aid. In addition, the cubicles are suitably located next to the bathrooms, a luxury for students who tend to consume a lot of liquids while studying.
While food and drinks are allowed in most areas, it wouldn't hurt for Steenbock to supply some extra vending machines. With no snack vending machines, soda is the main option.
This library also closes earlier than some other libraries, at 11:45 p.m. on weekdays.
""It pains me every time the lights flicker at Steenbock, telling me that I must leave,"" said UW-Madison freshman Emmy Konlanko.
This library is the most architecturally unique of all the libraries. The high, arch-supported ceilings, suspended walkways and paneled windows on the left side of the building give it a futuristic quality.
In addition to its modernisms, the library is quite elaborate with its long cylindrical lamps above the study tables and fancy artwork on the walls.
There are outlets and Internet accommodations at most study tables and even on the floor next to the more comfortable chairs. While this may sound extremely convenient, it is important to note that only law students have access to the Internet connection.
In addition, during final exams, this library is only open to law students. One obvious quality to this library is its extreme silence. This has to be the quietest library, so much that the tick of the clock with every minute is so audible that it becomes nearly distracting.
""I like the law library because it's not crowded, everyone's there to study and not socialize, and there's a really pretty view of Bascom Hill,"" said UW-Madison senior Vanessa Montez.
This library seems to be the least intriguing of the libraries mentioned. With its clean, organized setup it feels a little like an office building. Contributing to this office-like experience are the numerous well-dressed students who look as if they have just come from an important meeting.
Along the back wall is a large, stained glass window that casts a pleasant light on sunny days. Also, there is some very pleasing artwork decorating the walls.
""I like how Grainger is bright and there are always people moving about,"" said UW-Madison sophomore Chris Millen. ""It's quiet upstairs and you can talk downstairs which is a nice feature.""
On the negative side, while the upper floor is reserved for quiet study, some of the conversation travels up from the lower level since the area is open. In addition, extremely paranoid persons may want to steer clear of the business library because there are cameras located next to every clock on the wall.
The Grainger library does not allow food, and drinks are permitted in no-spill cups only.
