A majority of University of Idaho students hope to spend minimal time inside the UI Library except during academic emergencies caused by midterms, finals and unavoidable all-nighters. Unfortunately, few students take full advantage of the ample resources the facility offers students and faculty. Students have unlimited access to many amenities — books, microfilm, study rooms and a special collections section.
In addition to the four floors of books, one may leaf through a plethora of journals, which encompasses everything from aquaculture to criminology. The UI Library contains over 1.4 million volumes, which makes it the largest library in Idaho.
The library’s online database lists the availability of these items and if an item isn’t on the shelf, or accessible at all, the website directs students to other places that carry the same item.
Possibly the least-known section of UI’s palace of books is the special collections and government documents room. Unlike the Restricted Section of the Harry Potter library, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. students may access any number of historical archives. More than 675,000 government papers, 800,000 microforms, 200,000 maps, 7,500 CD-ROMs and 25,000 online publications are also available, as the UI Library also serves as the Regional Depository for U.S. Government Documents for the State of Idaho.
The services provided by the library extend far beyond its countless publications and DVDs. The library boasts an accommodating staff that contributes with its welcoming vibe.
In recent years, UI’s librarians have been recognized for their expertise and professionalism. Two years ago, reference librarian Rochelle Smith was selected to the nationally-acclaimed television game show “Jeopardy!” Recently, Head of Special Collections and Archives Garth Reese was chosen to participate in an academic seminar hosted by the National Endowment for the Humanities this summer.
While UI’s librarians have received their deserved recognition, the students themselves ought to maximize from their opportunity to utilize a facility they won’t have access to once they graduate.
— TL