Why I Love Tisch Library
At Tufts, we have three undergraduate libraries: Tisch Library, Lilly Music Library, and the SMFA (School of the Museum of Fine Arts) Library. Out of the three, my favorite has to be the Tisch Library. Tisch is the biggest undergraduate library at Tufts, and it has so much to offer students, from study spaces to academic resources to its own cafe! Here are a few of my favorite things about Tisch Library:
1. The Study Spaces
Tisch has many different study spaces for students. There are four floors, though the basement is mostly comprised of archives. Most students study on floors 1-3. There are designated quiet floors and areas, group study spaces, and private rooms you can book for small group or personal study sessions. I love how varied the study spaces are, and that I can decide where I want to study depending on my needs. I also appreciate that there are different types of chairs and tables available, as well as whiteboards.
2. Tower Café
Within the library, we also have our own café called Tower. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and a snack during a study session. My order is an iced vanilla latte and one of their signature muffins. You can also order ahead on the Tufts dining mobile app, which is helpful. The café even has its own dedicated seating area separate from the quieter study spaces!
3. Student Resources
There are also many student resources available within the library. There are librarians who can help with research questions, finding a book, or really any questions you might have. There are also printers and large computers for use. Often, there is programming for students put on by library staff. I recently attended a senior honors thesis write-in put on by the library. This event was a space for students writing a senior honors thesis to connect with other thesis writers, have a space to write, and there were snacks provided as well!
4. The DDS (The Digital Design Studio)
The DDS, also known as the Digital Design Studio, is one of the best kept secrets in Tisch Library. Located on the third floor, the DDS has computers, an audio recording booth, large-scale printing and laminating services, and more! It’s also a great place to study because there are almost always open tables to work at. During finals season, when the library is more busy, the DDS is my preferred study space.
5. Books!
Tisch Library is, of course, a library too, and it has so many books for students to check out. They have academic books, but they also have “fun” books for leisure reading as well. Along with physical books, they also have an enormous digital archive, which I have used for various classes as well as for my thesis.
As an English major, I can’t help but love a library, but I think Tisch truly deserves all the love. It genuinely has everything!