Why We Should All Use the Library
Author Sarah Rolph ’22/’26 is a Culinary Science major.
While many libraries have a reputation for being unfriendly quiet zones, on my first visit to CIA’s Conrad N. Hilton Library I was met with friendly, helpful staff and a chuckled “why are you whispering?”. Here are some of my favorite resources CIA students have access to in the Hilton Library that I wish we students would take advantage of more.
Reading… for Fun!
Whether you like manga, non-fiction, or fantasy, save the Amazon order and stop by the library instead. Even if they don’t have the book you want right at that moment, you can stop by the help desk, or use their website to request it—either through other libraries or order a copy—you’ll have the book in your hands in a matter of days.
Cozy Study Spaces
Have some studying to do? Choose from the sunlit tables, cozy armchairs, or desks hidden between bookshelves to hunker down and focus.
Research Assistance
Got something on your mind? Chances are that the library has an answer. Here students have access to online databases such as ProQuest or Gale for academic journals, an archive of historical documents and menus, and of course (the unsung hero) actual physical books. If you’re still having trouble finding what you’re looking for ask a student helper, or one of the amazing librarians!
Reference Textbooks
This semester I challenged myself not to buy textbooks—partly because I’m tired of hauling around an ever-growing book collection, and partly because that money could be much better spent during my next (purely educational) trip to the city for some good food. To my delight, with the help of the library, this challenge went from difficult to incredibly easy and convenient. The textbooks for all classes on campus are on reserve at the CIA library. This means when it comes time to do the reading, I grab the text from the help desk, find one of the many cozy study areas, and read away. I scan any reading I don’t finish, either with their scanner or with my phone, and have the PDF easily accessible to finish reading later!
Whether you’re looking for menus from the 1920s or a book on urban gardening, the CIA’s library staff will help you feel confident you’ve found the right resource.
See Everything the Conrad N. Hilton Library Can Help You With
Learn about other academic resources offered at the Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons.