Don’t Stop at the Bookshelves
Always do your research because the best information isn’t always on display. Some Bennett College students say Holgate Library is an under used resource on campus, with it’s free printing and knowledgeable staff.
Senior Kelsie Givens, a vocal performance major, from Prince George’s County, Maryland is thankful for the resources available at the college, and takes advantage of the many privileges many Belles underestimate.
“I feel like the library is more equipped than people view it. I feel like if Belles stop complaining and take the time to use it fully they would have a deeper appreciation for it. We complain about there not being enough paper but at schools like UNCG and NCA&T printing is not free. I was really upset when I went to UNCG and had to pay. I thought ‘Are you serious?’ and they were.”
Jeff Mortimore the Holgate Library Reference Librarian is known for giving research and information gathering presentations in the library classrooms.
Mortimore tells students there’s more to the library than the books you see.
Research requires more than looking at what is on the bookshelves in the Holgate Library.
“I am the reference library I also provide instructional service. What’s in the library goes beyond what’s on the shelves. The model of the library goes beyond the books; that’s just the crust. Mediating how you can use and receive information that’s what I am here for.”
Mortimore wants students to know researching does not end when you leave the library.
“Studying research without researching can be boring. It’s hard to talk about research because it’s so abstract. It is at that point when you’re sitting there scratching your head that the process of research really comes alive.”
One Belle knows exactly where and how to use the library’s resources.
“When it comes to Belles utilizing the Holgate Library I don’t really see a lot of people in here I usually see the same 20 people. I don’t know if it’s “the lack of resources” or if some Belles really don’t know how to use the library’s resources. I always go to Mr. Mortimore. Through what I’ve learned I’ve been able to work on my own, and look for several sources on my own. They are very helpful,” says Aziza Harding, a junior political science major from Atlanta, Georgia.
Mortimore helps several departments on campus like the Journalism & Media Studies Department.
“Very often going into something like journalism you don’t go into for being a researcher; you want to tell stories but it’s a lot of work. You have to be able to articulate and defend what you know the task of the journalist is to package your knowledge that’s what makes you marketable.”
Every semester he works with Journalism & Media Studies Professor Tamara Jeffries and her Research & Information Gathering class.
“It always starts with the information. It’s the process of research and articulating what you’ve learned, and I think the JMS program has done a wonderful job at that. You’re just not writing a story, you’re telling a, story you’re painting a story. That’s what journalism is,” says Mortimore.
Beyond the student body the faculty, staff, and administration uses the library to their advantage.
Bennett College Alumna and current English department professor, Dr. Linda Brown expresses her thoughts, and feelings of gratitude on being able to utilize the Holgate Library.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you left something behind. I’m glad that I’m still here with you and able to come to the library that I came to so many years ago. I hope that you all take advantage. Sometimes when you’re young you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. You go away and realize that it was a privilege. The sooner you understand that the better you will understand what resources you have here on campus.”
You can find more information out about the Holgate Library by visiting the website at http://www.bennett.edu/library.asp or just by walking over during the posted operating hours.
By: Lydia Blanco
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