Tufts Blogs

I know what you’re thinking. What kind of idea is this for an admissions blog post? I know, you’re supposed to be hearing about my weekend ski trip to New Hampshire or my favorite pho in Boston. I get that. But, I only play so many intramural and club sports and I only go on so many Boston adventures, so just stick with me here. 

The most interesting thing about coming to college, in my mind, is the realization that things you have rarely considered for your entire life are something you now have to consider. For instance, I had no idea how classes were dismissed when they ended when I got to Tufts. There obviously can’t be any bells, because we all take classes in different buildings. I was shocked when, on my first day of classes, my professor simply let us out of class at the end of our class time, without prompting by a blaring siren over a loudspeaker. 

Another thing that I hadn’t considered was if I could actually take books out of the library. At my high school, the library was used as a holding cell for students prior to dismissal. We did not actually use the, admittedly very few, books that were in it. 

At college, libraries are commonplace. Tisch Library is known as THE place on campus for studying, and it is often packed full of students most nights. The Ginn Library in the Fletcher School is acclaimed around campus for its majestic reading room and exquisite study silence. I have also spent many mornings in the Lilly Music Library, watching the sunlight stream in from the many windows and glancing in awe at the record collection on display. 

Besides the libraries being fantastic study spots, there is also an incredible collection of books available for students and faculty to use. Whether you’re trying to read into da Vinci’s art or the principles of Quantitative Economics, there are tons of titles to choose from. 

For my research in the International Relations Department this semester, I’ve had to find paper copies of books twice. Each time, I simply went on the Tisch Library website and reserved the title I wanted. You can typically take a book out for 28 days. At Tisch Library, reserved books are kept in lockers to allow for easy access. Once you arrive, you input a code to receive your held copy. I have had no issues locating the texts necessary for my research. The variety among the titles of the Tufts library system is downright staggering. Additionally, if a text is not available at Tufts, students can easily work with librarians to make an Interlibrary Loan. Beyond books for research, the library also sets aside copies of required readings for courses, in conjunction with the Tufts Bookstore, at the beginning of each semester. 

Thus, while it is not the most exciting thing in the world, you can reassure your parents that you can get actual books at Tufts through the library. It’s a quick, easy online process that opens you up to a world of possibilities and learning experiences. Who knows, maybe you’ll become the ultimate bookworm?  

Photo Credit: Sophia Khan, The Tufts Daily