If your only other option is to study in a noisy home or residence hall, studying at the library can help you focus better.Library study can be useful for groups of students who want to study together.The methods used to study in a group at the library are slightly different from those used alone.
Step 1: You should bring any materials you need.
Pick the subjects you want to study and fill your backpack with the books you need for the class.Bring notebooks used to take notes in that class.You might want to bring a pen and a highlighter with you.It will allow you to take more notes and highlight the notes you already took.If absolutely necessary, bring your computer.Some students prefer taking notes on their computer, while others may have digital copies of their textbooks, making a computer or e-reader necessary.Leave the tools at your place of residence if they are not essential.They will only be used as distraction.
Step 2: There is a quiet floor in the library.
libraries with multiple floors occasionally have a quiet floor, but libraries that only have one floor do not.The main floor gets the most foot traffic and is likely to be the noisiest, so the floor is usually either the top or basement floor.If you want to face the least amount of distraction, you should go to a quiet room to study.If your library doesn't have a quiet area, you should look for one that is out of the way.
Step 3: There is a small table.
Large rectangular tables and small circular tables can be found in libraries.If one is available, opt for a smaller table.These tables are usually large enough for you to spread out your books and notes, but not so large that other people will come over and sit near you.Taking up a large table for only one person is rude and wasteful.You can take intermittent breaks when you get up and walk around.Don't do this for a long time.
Step 4: A study desk can be found in a back corner.
Some libraries have small desks for students to use to work in the library.The back wall or corner of the library is where the desks are usually lined up.The high sides of the desks allow you to keep your privacy and block out distraction from other students sitting next to you.
Step 5: You can reserve an individual study room.
If the library is connected to a college or university, it is usually built with study rooms.If you want to use the study room at a large library, you need to reserve it.Find out what the library's policy is on study rooms.There may be a time limit on how long students can stay in a room, and rooms may need to be reserved in advance.If your library only has small meeting rooms, you may not be able to reserve them for individual studying.Many libraries offer their study rooms on a first come, first served basis.If you arrive at the library and the room is open, you can use it.If you don't appear to be working and others are waiting to use the room, the library may ask you to leave.
Step 6: Bring materials that are relevant to your work.
If you want to study with a group, leave your computer or mp3 player behind.If your group takes a break or has self-study time during the meeting, you can only use these devices if you pack them in your bag.If you think you might be tempted to bring them out in the middle of the work, leave them behind.Bring any textbooks, notebooks, and past assignments you need to study for the class or subject you plan on studying with your group.Fresh notebook paper, pens, and highlighters are needed.
Step 7: Go to a normal floor.
Don't go to the library if it is large enough to have a quiet floor.Quiet floors are used for study.You will need to speak with other group members during the group study session.You should stick with a floor that isn't designated as a quiet area.
Step 8: There is a large table.
Make sure that everyone is comfortable.A small circular table is likely to work for a small group of two or three people.If your group is larger than that, you will need a larger rectangular table.
Step 9: You can reserve a larger room.
Small study rooms are set aside for individuals in some libraries.Find out what the library's policy is regarding the use of these rooms.You will need to reserve the room in advance, but this isn't always the case.As long as the study room is open when you get there, some libraries will allow you to use it.You may want to inquire about using a large meeting room at the library for large groups.These rooms have harsher conditions put on them.If the library will allow it, use an open room.Some libraries will allow you and your study group to meet in a meeting room if all the study rooms are full.