Yes, that’s right, a study from the University of North Carolina (Croxton & Moore, 2019) confirms what we all have long suspected: students who use library services have higher GPAs.

So, what does “use library services” actually mean at the UAA/APU Consortium Library?

Obvious answers to that question might include:

Come to our beautiful building to study. 

• There are quiet spaces, spaces for collaborative work, small rooms with doors, and tables by windows with uplifting vistas.

Borrow books (or other things)

• We have access many thousands of items from around Alaska and (and the world!) here that you can borrow to take home, or access online on a device (like e-books and e-audiobooks).

However…if you really want to get the top grades, these are the library services that will fast track your learning and achievements.

Work with a librarian on your research

• Google will get you a million possible answers but a Librarian will get you the right one. Meeting with a librarian at the Ref Desk (on the first floor) is a savvy thing to do for any research project.  For the uber-tough questions, you can even make an appointment with the specialist Liaison Librarians (who are experts in certain subject areas).

Use databases

• A database will save you time and get you directly to the best information (as opposed to Google or other sources where you have to very carefully judge the quality of what comes up). This is because all the journal articles and other information on a database has been put there because it’s top quality.
• Note: there are some tricks to learn if you are new to using databases. You need to find the right database for your particular topic and also you need to know how to best use the search functions for keywords and filters.  Guess who can teach you those tricks?  [See item above!]

We want you to succeed.  Come see us!

Croxton, R. A., & Moore, A. C. (2019). Quantifying the Value of the Academic Library. https://www.libraryassessment.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/19-Croxton-QuantifyingtheValue.pdf

As the new semester begins, so does the race to purchase new textbooks for each class. It’s not uncommon for students to spend anywhere from $300 to $900 or even more in one semester. That’s why the library has compiled a guide to help you reduce your textbook cost!

While it is rare to find textbooks at the library, your instructor may have placed a textbook on reserve for your class or may have some other class materials (such as videos, book chapters, journal articles, or homework help) available for you to use. Be sure to search the Course Reserves for your class at https://libguides.consortiumlibrary.org/reserves; all you’ll need is the Course ID or your instructor’s name.

If you’re a faculty member, you can learn more about Textbook Affordability at UAA and APU at https://libguides.consortiumlibrary.org/textbookaffordability. Need help finding open educational resources (OER) for your class? This guide to OER will help you get started. Both APU and UAA faculty also have the opportunity to apply for the OER/ZTC (Zero-cost Textbook) Certificate and earn the Affordable Course Materials Award from the consortium library.

Final exams and projects are upon us! the most hectic time of the semester! The library has resources, spaces, and services to help you prepare for your exams, research your papers, and even find a quiet spot to focus.

If you are in need of resources for a research assignment, remember that you can ask us for assistance!

Librarians are available to answer your questions and help you quickly navigate resources every day of the week! You can email your questions, text (907) 312-1024, or chat a librarian. You can also call (907) 786-1848. We also welcome the opportunity to talk with you in-person in the Library.

Are you more of a self-starter? The library has guides on a multitude of diverse topics that will point you in the right direction!

We can give you tips for those tricky citations, assist you in narrowing down your topic, or find that perfect article or book! Just need a quiet place to concentrate?

Don’t forget that the library has both group and individual study rooms available on a first come, first serve basis.  

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law a joint resolution recognizing November as “National American Indian Heritage Month“, also known as Alaska Native and Native American Heritage Month, in order to recognize the “essential and unique contribution[s]” that Native Americans have made “to our nation . . . [and] to the world”.

The Consortium Library offers many resources to help us celebrate and research the culture, history, trials, and contributions of Alaska Natives and Native Americans. It also collects works by Alaska Native authors and illustrators.

Many resources specific to Alaska are located in the Alaskana collection on the second floor of the library. In addition, there are numerous online resources that SLED provides access to via their list of Native and Indigenous Peoples resources.

If you’re interested in an overview of the many books, e-books, journal articles, DVDs, and streaming videos provided by the Consortium library or in resources about Alaska Native and Native American languages, check out our Alaska Native / Native American Heritage Month Guide.

It is our hope that these resources will assist our community as we grow in awareness of the cultures, traditions, and heritage of indigenous peoples, particularly here in Alaska.

Wednesday, November 15th at 6pm, please join us in Library 307 for a wonderful panel discussion: “Writers as Detectives: Celebrating Research and Writing in Alaska Native Culture & History”.

Featuring: Dr. Holly Miowak Guise from University of New Mexico, Dr. Ian Hartman from University of Alaska Anchorage History Department, and Professor Arlene Schmuland, Head of the Consortium Library’s Archives & Special Collections. Moderated by Dr. Maria Williams from Alaska Native Studies at UAA.

This is an event celebrating Alaska Native Studies’ 30th and the Consortium Library’s 50th Anniversary. Co-sponsored by the Alaska Center for the Book.

Parking is free and pizza will be provided.