The time for intense studying has arrived. Students anxious to finish their homework devote their time to the library and vigorously study, research and write papers.

However, the setback occurs when there isn’t an available computer in the lab or simply one didn‘t know there was a difference between computers in the labs offered and those on the floors of Founder‘s Memorial Library.

Could it be that you have to resort to the ancient Stone Age technology? The dinosaur computers?

What is the deal with these ancient computers that are so incompatible with every other computer on campus?

“These computers … are available to our patrons who are doing library-related work,” says TJ Lusher, assistant dean of the Automated Library Systems. “Library-related work may include searching the subscription databases or the online catalog.”

This explanation clarifies a lot but still addresses an educational issue. Has the system of library research become an ancient resource?

Really, why bother with the Dewey Decimal System when you can Google? Why fumble with a dictionary when you have an online search engine at your fingertips? Some students find it difficult to locate a book in the library.

Does NIU need to advance its technology to keep up with evolving research methods?

Freshman meteorology major Jimmy Silverstein thinks more computers for lab use would help students who do homework in the library because they perform the necessary tasks.

Lusher admits that new computers depend on the budget, but wireless connection and outlets are available throughout the library for students to bring their own computers.

“I [study] in the library at least three hours a day,” said Monica Hall, junior environmental geology science major.

Hall thinks the library’s organizational system is confusing, but she is unaware of the system of organization they use.

The Library of Congress Classification is a different form of library organization, which many students are unaware of. It is commonly used in universities, even though students were taught how to use the Dewey Decimal System in elementary school, which was still confusing anyway.

Lusher confirmed that NIU uses LCC and call numbers.

“Floor maps noting which call numbers are located on a particular floor can be found across from the main elevators on each floor,” said Lusher.

Sad to say, most students still don’t find these maps very convenient.

A friend of mine, Rich Hovaniec, who attends Triton College, mentioned he had to study the Library of Congress Style library method in his English class and grow accustomed to it for his research paper. There lies the problem — and solution — at hand. Students should be refreshed when required to use ancient methods of research. Both the school and library should accommodate this.

“It once took me over 20 minutes to find a group of books for my archaeology class,” Silverstein said.

As a solution, Silverstein thinks the library should have more employees to assist students who are searching the library for materials.

“After spring break, we will be launching a new chat service so the NIU community can have an immediate connection to a reference librarian when they have a question,” Lusher said.

Along with a system of over 200 databases in all subject areas the library offers, this system should be extremely helpful to today’s generation of students.

To most students in today’s world, finding a specific book in a library is like being asked to use Morse code to communicate. If students are required to find books they should also be refreshed on how to do so.

Accommodations from the library, however, could make this easier for students. The new chat service, which is anticipated, is a great start.