Wichita State’s Ablah Library staff said they aim to aid students in their academic endeavors. Faculty and staff urge incoming freshmen and transfer students to become familiar with what the library offers.

 “We’re here to help students with their studies,” said Kathy Downes, the library’s senior associate dean. “We want to help them as much as possible. Our library has a lot that is available to students.”

After entering the library, students might immediately notice the abundance of computers available. The PC and Mac computers are loaded with all the software students need to complete class assignments and projects. Library assistant John Stewart said the library is striving to keep the devices up-to-date with all the latest software.

Stewart said the library is big enough and will almost never be overcrowded.

“We have over two million items in the library,” Stewart said. “Students can check out an unlimited amount of books, as long as two weeks for each book. Students are able to renew items very easily by going online. If they are not near a computer or laptop, they can use their phones or come to the library to do it in person.”

“We want to make sure students have access to all of our resources. We are trying to constantly address their needs,” he said.

WSU’s library has more than 400,000 e-book items, as well as more than 73,000 journal titles. Stewart said most of the latest collection of items is designed for electronics. If students cannot make it into the library before it closes, they will be able access the same information electronically.

Students can do more than check out books and movies, laptops, iPads, digital cameras and tripods are also available to the students. Stewart believes that being able to check out a vast amount of items will help students tremendously.

Students have the option of using study rooms in the library.

To reserve a room, students have the option of doing it online with a laptop or computer, or by using their cell phone.

Find the service form section on the library’s website to reserve a group study room. The library recommends that students make reservations at least three hours in advance if it is on the same day. Students can even name their study rooms and reserve them five days ahead of time.

To use the computers, students need an ID number and a Shocker Card. If students have trouble, they can refer to the help desk, which assists with basic technology questions.

With a Shocker Card, students can make black and white prints for seven cents and color prints for 75 cents. To make copies, there is also a seven-cent fee.

Pre-session library hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays.

During the semester, the library will be open 7:30 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays. Hours will fluctuate on Fridays and weekends.

“One thing we emphasize is that we are here to help students,” Stewart said. “If they have a question, it is perfectly fine for them to ask. We don’t want students wasting their time.”