Libraries provide access on Web site

By Nathan Dean
Editor in Chief

The Purdue library system has more than 2.5 million books spread into 15 libraries, according to Judy Pask, director of Hicks Undergraduate Library.

However, the number of books is close to nothing compared to amount of knowledge that can be offered in the system.

"The key thing is not the amount of books, but the amount of access that the library has," said Pask.

"We have many different items such as indexes, databases and reference works that we are paying for per student. These are paid services that offer a lot of information that students need."

The Purdue library system has 15 main libraries spread across the campus. Nearly every school has its own library that features more specific topic issues. These libraries have various operating hours and sizes, but each gives the student an opportunity to study or use their services.

But for many freshmen, the best bet would be to start at the Hicks Undergraduate Library, located next to Stewart Center.

"It's the best for freshmen because it offers a more generic range of topics than many of the other libraries. While they are specific, we can handle the generic issues that a lot of freshmen have to deal with," said Pask.

Although many schools have specialty libraries that deal with their appropriate subjects, Hicks offers the largest library on campus.

Hicks, named after former Purdue administrator John Hicks, is located in a small building on the south side of Stewart Center. Many freshmen get confused due to the shape of the building. In fact, the library is underground and the small building shape is only the entrance.

According to Pask, the best way for a student to become familiar with the library system is to use The Online Resource (THOR).

The THOR system is an online search tool that also doubles as a tutorial to help students with their studies. THOR offers a chance for students to search for books and information from the comfort of their own homes. The entire library system is built into the Web site search engine as well as libraries for Purdue-Calumet and Purdue-North Central.

Also featured on the Web site is information for books at the area county libraries.

One of the most helpful items on the Web site would be the tutorial, called Comprehension Online Research Education. This program is designed to give students a chance to learn about the library system and how to go about collecting data. It can be found on the library Web site at http://www.lib.purdue.edu/