Happy New Year! The start of each new year is an exciting time because it always brings us the opportunity for a fresh start; if you did not quite achieve the goals you set for yourself last year, now is the time to try again! The library at HPU is here to help you make the most of your fresh start by providing resources that will assist you in achieving your goals that you want to accomplish, all while maintaining your sanity. Below, you will find a list of tips for academic success; we hope that you will find these materials helpful and that they will transform what may be perceived as a daily grind into something meaningful and fulfilling.
Tip #1: Know Your Libraries
HPU has four different library locations that can assist you in being successful academically. These libraries include Smith Library, the Martha Luck Comer Learning Commons, the School of Education Children’s Library and the Bassett Furniture Library. Smith Library, the main academic library on campus, is found beside Roberts Hall and is packed with materials that can help you achieve your goals. The Martha Luck Comer Learning Commons can be found on the 3rd floor of the Wanek Center (right below 1924 Prime) and is a great place to go when you want a quiet place to read, study, or enjoy a peaceful moment from one of our two outdoor balconies. The Children’s Library, found on the main floor of the Stout School of Education, is a library specifically dedicated to supporting education majors. Finally, the Bassett Furniture Library can be found in Wilson Hall and houses content specifically for interior design majors. To see a list of hours for each library, click here.
Tip #2: Know Your Library Resources
Academic research is a process, a process that can be lengthy and, sometimes, anxiety provoking; first, you need to choose a research topic (which takes research) and then create a research question (which takes MORE research.) Once you have finished with that, it is time to do more research and then write the paper. We here at the library hope you will rest assured, as we are here to help you, no matter what stage of the research process you’re in.
Smith Library has over 250,000 print books that you can use for your studies, as well as 900,000+ eBooks that are all accessible with the click of a button. In addition to books, we offer print and electronic academic journals via our collection of 230+ academic databases; newspapers; trade publications; magazines; course reserves and media collections of physical and digital movies, camera equipment, a maker space with 3D printer and sewing machines, and a mini studio filled with equipment to help you create next-level audio and video content. If you need a break (very necessary for a successful paper), we also offer board games and video games. All this content and more can be accessed via our online library catalog.
Found on our library homepage, our library catalog is the main access point to all materials offered by HPU Libraries.
Figure 1
The HPU Libraries Website
HPU Libraries, 2025c
You can use the library catalog to create simple or custom searches to find materials on the topic you are interested in. Want to do a custom search on a complex topic you are writing about? Once you have submitted your search, use the filters on the left-side of the screen to filter your searches to find exactly what you need!
Figure 2
Library Catalog Search for “Henry VIII”
HPU Libraries,d 2025b
In addition to our catalog and databases, the library houses a robust collection of research guides; these guides are subject-specific and provide great resources for research in the discipline you choose. More specifically, you will find great books, catalog access, database recommendations, helpful online sources, citation guidance and more via these guides. Our Citation Guides can also be found via our research guides; these are guides dedicated to helping you cite your sources accurately every time with ease. They provide specific examples, background information and full sample papers using your chosen style.
Figure 3
APA Citation Guide-Citing Books
HPU Libraries, 2025a
All you need to do is substitute the information for the sources you have, and you are good to go! A full description of all resources offered by HPU Libraries is beyond the scope of this blog, but these resources come in very handy when completing assignments.
In addition to the content offered by Smith Library, the Martha Luck Comer Learning Commons offers a quiet space to read and study, a small collection of books focused on life during and after college, as well as reference manuals to assist with citations. The Learning Commons also offers space for group study. The Children’s library houses content dedicated to the support of education majors. Here, you will find picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, testing support materials, the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), and more. Finally, the Bassett Furniture Library houses a small collection of print content that supports research in design. If we do not have what you need, we can get it from another library anywhere in the US with our Interlibrary Loan program. It is free of charge, and it ensures that you have access to any piece of information, anywhere in the US. You can also borrow materials from other colleges and universities close by through our Triad Academic Library Association (TALA) program. It’s free and you only need your student ID to borrow items.
Tip #3: Ask Questions!
There is much to learn when doing research or using library resources and the answer isn’t always clear. If you have a question, please ask a librarian. There are many ways you can contact us to ask questions. To ask a librarian a question, you can:
- Call the library (336-841-9101)
- Email the library ([email protected])
- Text the library (336) 289-9974
- Chat online with a librarian (see figure 4)
- Make an appointment with a librarian (see figure 4)
- Stop by the library and say hello!
Figure 4
Online Chat and “Make an Appointment”
HPU Libraries, 2025d
Smith Library is open 24/5 during the semester, so please don’t hesitate to ask us your questions, even at 3:30am on a Thursday (we’re not kidding!) A librarian is always here to help. We also provide weekly workshops that cover topics related to research, such as:
- AI tools for academic research
- AI tools for study and exam preparation
- Citing sources and avoiding plagiarism
- Getting to know HPU Libraries
- Introduction to library services (Print Shop, Media Services, etc.)
- Literature reviews and research synthesis
- Job hunting with HPU resources
- Bookbinding
- Poster making
- Zine making (with many different themes)
These are just a few tips to help you get acquainted with your HPU libraries and begin your research process. We wish you all the best of luck in the new year and let us know how we can help!
-Blog Post by Bryan Nicholls, Evening Librarian
References
HPU Libraries (2025a). APA Citation Guide-Citing Books [Screenshot]. High Point University. https://guides.highpoint.edu/c.php?g=985202&p=7124597
HPU Libraries (2025b). Library Catalog Search for “Henry VIII” [Screenshot]. High Point University. https://hpulibraries.on.worldcat.org/search?queryString=Henry%20VIII&clusterResults=true&stickyFacetsChecked=true&baseScope=wz%3A4989&sortKey=BEST_MATCH&groupVariantRecords=false&scope=wz%3A4989
HPU Libraries (2025c). The HPU Libraries Website [Screenshot]. High Point University. https://www.highpoint.edu/library
HPU Libraries (2025d.) Online Chat and “Make an Appointment” [Screenshot]. High Point University. https://www.highpoint.edu/library