Carnegie Library

Students will soon be able to hit the books into the early morning hours at three key University of Georgia study spots. Extended hours at the Main Library, Science Library and the Miller Learning Center will begin April 5 and continue through spring semester finals.

The Miller Learning Center, the busiest academic building on campus, will close two hours later Sundays through Thursdays, closing at 2 a.m. from April 5 through May 10. The Main and Science Libraries will transition to a closing time of 1 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays April 5 through April 25, and the hours will extend to a 2 a.m. closing time April 26 through May 10.

As part of the UGA Libraries’ commitment to affordable access to learning materials, the Libraries recently ceased the collection of late fees from students who return overdue books.

“Overdue book fines are educational materials costs borne directly by our students. Those with the least ability to pay feel the effect of fines most keenly, as do graduate students who are particularly heavy users of the Libraries’ print collections,” said Toby Graham, associate provost and university librarian. “This step will save students about $25,000 per year.”

UGA students can earn more than an A by meeting with a librarian. They can also win some cash, thanks to the Libraries’ Undergraduate Research Awards.

With a top prize of $800, the awards provide an extra incentive for students to sign up for a free online research consultation with a librarian. Students are eligible to enter the contest for their work on any research project, including a policy paper, a scientific study, a music composition, a thesis, whether it is for a class or not.

All of the tools that students need to write dynamic papers and create innovative projects will be on display in a series of workshops from the University of Georgia Libraries.

In the Spring into Research workshop series, librarians and staff will lead virtual discussions on navigating library resources, from the latest online journals to historical material held in digital archives, as well as using citation management software and technologies available for data visualization, map-making, virtual reality, and more.

At UGA Libraries, we ask that students and patrons remain curious and courteous, as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

All staff and visitors are required to wear masks, in accordance with the University System of Georgia policy in place since the buildings reopened in summer 2020. This includes all open study areas and group studying at the Main Library, Science Library, Miller Learning Center, Carnegie Library, Special Collections Libraries, and branch locations for art, music, and curriculum materials.

UGA Libraries will continue to provide course reserve services for faculty planning their courses for spring semester, with some changes due to the continuing COVID-19 situation. Requests submitted by December 11 are guaranteed to be completed and accessible by the first day of Spring Semester classes, January 13.

Students and faculty in the University of Georgia community can continue to take advantage of library services after the Thanksgiving transition to online classes, whether in Athens or at home in another state.

In addition to online resources and virtual consultations with librarians and archivists, library facilities, including the Miller Learning Center, will remain available to students, faculty, staff, and the community through the remainder of the year and into the spring semester.

The UGA Libraries invites students to compete in the Fourth Annual Capturing Science Contest. The competition, co-sponsored by the Office of Research, offers cash prizes for students who convey STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts in creative and compelling projects that range from artistic endeavors to classroom activities, games and videos. The deadline for virtual submissions is 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 2020.

A new online app can help UGA students find a place to study on campus.

The mapping tool, which includes indoor and outdoor locations, is intended to help students find areas to practice safe social distancing while they study. Initiated by the Office of Instruction, partners on the project included the Office of the University Architects, UGA Libraries, the Office of Sustainability and the Facilities Management Division.

The University of Georgia Libraries will open to the public Aug. 10 with measures in place to promote the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening comes as UGA prepares to welcome students for fall classes beginning Aug. 20.