Welcome to the fall semester! As you get settled on campus, the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are available to help you in a variety of ways. Check out the seven tips below for accessing some of our most-recommended resources and services.
Meet Your Personal Librarian
Our librarians work with students in every major across campus and will gladly meet with you—either in person or virtually—to discuss how to make your research easier and more efficient. They also are an excellent resource for helping you fact-check and evaluate sources with a critical eye as you sift through the vast amount of information out there. Make an appointment with your librarian today.
Research Smarter
The libraries offer curated research guides and video tutorials to help you start exploring, as well as many tools for tackling the research process. LibKey Nomad is a browser extension that provides easy, single-click access to library content from publisher websites, PubMed, Wikipedia and more. Another handy tool is Zotero, an open-source citation management system that helps you organize your research sources and even creates citations for you.
Find Your Favorite Study Spot
The libraries have a variety of individual study spaces as well as larger group study rooms that you can book in advance. Use our occupancy tracker to see how busy each library is before making your study plans.
Explore Our Technology
The libraries offer an extensive selection of technology for your use. The Sarah Shannon Stevenson Science and Engineering Library operates the Gear2Go technology lending program with digital cameras, audio production equipment, virtual reality kits and other technology available to borrow. For student teachers, there is also Peabody Library’s Curriculum Design Studio, which is equipped with die-cut and binder machines, as well as other resources and creative supplies.
Subscribe for Free
One of the best perks offered by the libraries is free premium subscriptions to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and Nashville Business Journal news sites. You also have free access to O’Reilly e-books and online courses. Find out more here.
Take Breaks
When you are not studying or doing research at the libraries, check out our leisure reading collection, which includes fiction and travel books, audiobooks, and digital magazines. The Central Library also has a large film collection you can browse.
Just Ask!
The Heard Libraries are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for all students in the Vanderbilt community. Visit each library’s website for more information on student resources and services, including our accessibility services, and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
We look forward to seeing you in the libraries!