With added commentary by Jessica Yarvin
As finals week approaches and Little 5 comes to an end, students rush to cram everything they were supposed to learn since spring break and revisit the information that was long forgotten from the beginning of the semester. Like an advanced game of Tetris, everything has to fit back inside your head. This can mean long hours at the library. If you’re new to the library game or a just looking for a new study spot, here is a finals week guide to the libraries of Indiana University.
Business/SPEA Information Commons
This has always been one of my favorites, even if they did stop selling applesauce in the C-Store directly outside of it. This library is usually filled with Kelley and SPEA kids doing group projects (ICORE, Target/Macy’s Presentations, ect.) and it is perfect for that. With a dozen back rooms which you can sign up for hour slots within, this library is made for practicing for presentations.
Jessica says: Lots of good-looking and smart boys, good too see if your future husband is studying for his finals
Education Library
This library in in the Wright Education building over by Read residence center. With circle couches and ceiling to floor windows across most of the library, the Education Library has a hip feel but I’ve never been able to get a lot of work done there. It is mostly equipped to help gather materials for education majors but not for extensive studying or long hours of group projects because it closes at 10 p.m. The C-Store outside this library sells popcorn, which is pretty nice.
Jessica says: Never studied here but popcorn is never a bad idea
Fine Art Library
Unless you have wandered around the arts building before the Fine Arts Library will be a tricky one to find. Even if you have been in the Fine Arts building it is still a tricky library to locate. If you do find it you will be in the most artsy library that Indiana University has to offer. With a window that overlooks the library of the art museum and a quick detour to the fine arts books store that sells BBC bagels and schmear, this is a good place to study if you want your inner hipster to shine.
Jessica says: Bagels are the most important food group and are the secret to success
Herman B Wells – West Tower (Fourth Floor)
Wells is a classic studying staple here at Indiana University, with a C-Store on the first floor that is open till midnight with paninis that you’re allowed to munch on anywhere in Wells and the west tower often times being open 24 hours a day during the school year it is hard to go wrong. The down side to all this convenience is that Wells is always completely packed leading up to finals. The fourth floor is an entire floor of desks already pushed together for study groups, which can sometimes make it a bit noisy. You’ll also see policemen make hourly rounds up to the fourth floor to make sure no one is raging too hard (turn down for what?).
Jessica says: Ain't no party like a West Wells Fourth Floor party (but really). Great for people watching, not so great for studying
Herman B Wells – West Tower (Quiet Floors)
With all of the benefits of Wells but with less distractions, the quiet floors are a great place to bunker down in dead week. One of the best parts of the 2nd and 3rd floor of the west tower is that almost anywhere you sit there is a convenient electrical outlet within a yard. The 2nd floor has windows, which might not seem like much but after hours of the library life the outside is a commodity that is missed, especially in the spring semester.
Jessica says: Super comfy chairs on the 2nd floor and the tables with the built in outlets are super clutch. Definitely my favorite place to hardcore study or write a paper
Herman B Wells – East Tower
Commonly referred to as The Stacks, the east tower of Wells has endless rows of books and references for grad students or undergrads who want to mix it up and use information not taken from the internet. These floors are eerie quiet, but you can eat a panini up there so not much to complain about. The desks and tables that are tucked in and amongst the books have graffiti etchings proclaiming that “Hank <3’s Jessica” and that “AEPI Rules”. The Stacks close at midnight.
Jessica says: This is the worst place in the world. It smells like smelly old books, has no windows and is populated with people that are literally insane because only an insane person would choose to study in the stacks
Lilly Library
This is a trick library. It is actually a museum and they don’t want you to be studying in it.
Jessica says: Then Wells should probably be renamed "Herman B. Wells Museum"
Music Library
Located on the second floor of the Simon building this library is equipped with little cubbies for solitary studying. Although there is a mini C-Store outside the entrance this is a no food zone so eat before you go if it is your destination. This is not a library for chit chat, but in and amongst the sheet music and manuscripts a lot of work can get done.
Jessica says: I didn't even know this existed until a week ago
The Union This might not be a library but it still belongs on this list. Great for midday naps or long hours in the comfy chairs and couches, the Union is a final week study paradise equipped with a Starbucks. Can't find a spot in the two big rooms filled with couches? If you wander around the twisting and turning corridor on different floors you are sure to fit a table or comfy chair to claim for yourself. Only downside is that the X bus stops running around 10 pm so if you're heading back up to the stadium it is a bit of a hike.
Jessica says: Pro tip: If you get either regular hot or iced coffee, Starbucks will refill your drink for free if you have the same cup.
