Exams week leaves main library crowded; students find other places to study for tests

Finals week is the time of the year that makes college students shudder with disgust.\nNonetheless, it's just around the corner.\nWith more students cramming in pursuit of an "A," the Herman B Wells Library, formerly the Main Library, is a hot spot on campus. Recently, finding a parking spot there in the evening feels like winning the lottery and uncovering an unoccupied computer is reason for excited squeals.\nDue to the crowded labs and study lounges, many students are finding alternative places to study on campus.\nThere are more than 18 libraries located on the Bloomington campus, accessible to students at hours they can appreciate.\nWhile the Herman B Wells Library is the most popular, probably due to its size, its table space, its plethora of computers and its flexible hours (Information Commons One is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week), students have many more from which to choose.\nThe Kelley School of Business/School of Public Affairs and Environmental Sciences Library, located in the SPEA building, is open until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 9 p.m. Fridays.\nSophomore Julia Cuzzupe, who works at the Business/SPEA Library, said it's a useful place for students to study. \n"A lot of people come here," she said. "It's really quiet."\nThe Education Library, in room 1160 of the W.W. Wright Building, is open until 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 p.m. on the weekends. Graduate student John Morriberon, an employee of the library, encourages studying there.\n"There's a good amount of space for group work and individual study," he said. "We have a great computer lab."\nOther libraries on campus include the Journalism Library in Ernie Pyle Hall, which closes at 9 p.m., and the Fine Arts library in the Fine Arts Museum open until 9:30 Sunday to Thursday. The Law Library is holding extended Final Exam hours, according to its Web site. The library will stay open until 2 a.m. April 24 until April 29 and May 1 to May 5. \nThe Indiana Memorial Union also offers a variety of quiet cramming places for students. The IMU Gallery and the South Lounge of the first floor are common areas for uninterrupted study time.\nFreshman Julia Huber said she prefers the South Lounge to the libraries. "Certain spots of the library can be really loud," she said.\nThe South Lounge, complete with a fireplace, a grand piano and numerous couches and chairs, makes for a pleasant place to hit the books.\nJunior Elizabeth Houck found her own place in the IMU, though. One day on a search for a soda, Houck said she wandered into the basement and found a serene setting with several tables and chairs, perfect for completing schoolwork. \n"People hardly ever come down here," Houck said. "It's really quiet." \nThe IMU will remain open until 2 a.m. on finals week.\nSome students' aren't picky about where they do schoolwork.\n"I like to study anywhere there's a computer available," said junior Kristin McCreary. McCreary said she's a regular at the computer lab in the Biology building.\nComputer labs are located several places around campus, including the IMU and all the dorms.\nThe Scripps Howard Foundation Digital Imaging Lab, on the ground floor of Ernie Pyle Hall, will have extended hours for finals week. The lab will open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 1, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 2 to May 4 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 5 and May 6.\nSophomore Wyman Flynn stays home to study. A resident of McNutt quad, Flynn goes to the formal lounge. "At night the library is too loud," he said.\nMost dorm center buildings on campus feature a lounge area and do not close until midnight. \n-- Contact staff writer Michelle Manchir at mmanchir@indiana.edu.