Aggies: Lean into your Library this Fall
Happy first day of class, Aggies! We invite new and returning students alike to lean into the UC Davis Library and discover all that it has to offer (hint: it’s not just about the books!). Get to know the UC Davis Library with these 7 tips:
1. Explore Shields Library
Visit Shields Library and wander like a tourist. Don’t miss the new floor-to-ceiling student mural and the leafy Courtyard on the first floor, our atmospheric Reading Room on the second floor, or the rotating display of dog art on the lower level.
Ready to study? Pick a study zone that matches your needs (collaboration, quiet conversation, silent) or reserve one of our eight Aggie-themed group study rooms.
- Check this out: The Unitrans group study room (Shields 420) has a vintage bus grill and fender on the wall!
2. Follow our Events Calendar and Social Channels
There are many opportunities to connect and find community at Shields Library beyond shared study space. Join us for student workshops, activities and exhibits throughout the year. Visit our events calendar and follow our social media channels (Instagram: @ucdavislibrary) to find out what’s happening next.
- Check this out:
3. Bookmark ‘Getting Started’
Before you start a research assignment or project, visit our Getting Started webpage for an overview of core library tools, how to find and cite sources, and off-campus access to digital resources.
- Check this out: Learn how to use UC Library Search, the single online library catalog for the UC system.
4. Ask Us: Welcome Desk and Librarians
Stop by our student-run Welcome Desk, located in the lobby of Shields Library, to get directions or information about library services.
Our librarians are here to help you with research assignments and more!
- Check this out: Send our librarians a question, schedule a meeting, or use the library directory to find an expert in your study area.
5. Dig into a Research Guide
We offer librarian-curated research guides in every UC Davis academic subject area — one-stop summaries of reference materials, books, journal articles, databases, statistics, and historical and primary sources. Jumpstart your research process with a research guide!
- Check this out: We also offer course guides (which you’ll learn about from your instructors, if available).
6. Take Advantage of Tutoring
Get help with assignments with drop-in tutoring offered by the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center, located on the lower level of Shields Library, in partnership with Student Affairs.
- Check this out: AATC offers drop-in tutoring at Shields Library for biology, chemistry, economics, math, physics, statistics and writing.
7. Find Wellness Support
Learn about resources and campus units that can support your academic success and well-being with our Campus Student Resource Center Hub literature rack, located in the lobby near the Circulation Desk.
You can also visit the Wellness Info Desk. The desk is staffed on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm by Aggie Mental Health Ambassadors, who can help you connect with campus resources to support wellness and well-being.
- Check this out: Much loved campus K-9 team members Princess Leia and Cali have been known to drop by the Wellness Info Desk on occasion — keep an eye out!
