By Sherylin McMurtrey
Finals at BYU bring a heightened sense of stress, hard work and fatigue.
Students pull late nights, form study groups and do everything possible to cram for that last test. Where do the students go to accomplish these feats? Where are the best places to study?
Knowing the important time that befalls the students at BYU, the Daily Universe offers information on study locations and what makes those locations effective for students'' needs.
Of course, the facilities that are easiest to access are the libraries on BYU campus. The Harold B. Lee library and the Howard W. Hunter law library are just two examples of facilities BYU has to offer.
Travis Laird, a third year law student said he likes to study on the first floor of the library in a corner.
'If I go to the periodicals I just end up watching people instead of doing homework,' he said. 'That''s fun too, but when push comes to shove, you have to get it done.'
For those who prefer something more community oriented and a change of scenery, there are alternate options. Sarah Stewart, a senior, majoring in English and marriage family human development, said she enjoys studying off campus.
'It is refreshing to get to a different context,' Stewart said. 'My very favorite place to study is the Orem Public Library. In the North building there are a bunch of tall windows that look out. It is great.'
Besides the mountains of books it has to offer, the library also boasts one of the best media libraries in Utah Valley.
Stewart said another reason she likes the Orem library is because there are not many students there, and she usually doesn''t see anyone she knows and therefore is not distracted.
Something in closer proximity is the Provo City Library.
Provo librarian Ann-Marie Marchant said she recommends the library to students for studying purposes.
'Sometimes you just need a change of pace,' she said. 'It is nice to have more options of places to study.'
The Provo library has study rooms that can be reserved by library cardholders and Internet access for cardholders as well. The second floor of the library is the quiet floor and no cell phones or talking is allowed. Groups can work together on the first floor, Marchant said.
If libraries seem too quiet and dreary, local bookstores can always be a positive change.
Heather Keele, community relations manager at Barnes & Noble, said many students flock to the bookstore to hang out in the chairs and at the tables.
'I think they like it because it is quiet, but it is not as stuffy as a library,' Keele said. 'There is music playing and they can go to the caf? if they want to get some food or something to drink.'
Along with being able to eat and drink in the bookstore, students can also use the books of the bookstore as references - just as long as they don''t write or highlight in the books, Keele said.
Sidebar
* Barnes & Noble is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
* The Orem Library is located at 58 N. State St. in Orem and is open Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Provo City Library is located at 550 N. University Ave. in Provo. The Provo library is open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* The Harold B. Lee library is open 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. through December 17 and the Howard W. Hunter law library is open 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. starting December 6 - December 17.