It’s a feeling we all know – circling the parking lot for that last space. It is an experience so universal that the trope has found its way into countless sitcoms and movies. While it may not rank highly on a list of real problems, it is certainly an irritation that can get under your skin.
When the Eisenhower Library building closed for renovation, you may have braced yourself for the struggle to find study space. But, have no fear. The Sheridan Libraries have made arrangements for you to have space where you can park yourself and study in a variety of locations around campus.
The Annex
The new MSE Library Annex offers quiet study space and access to core library services. Formerly occupied by the Johns Hopkins Club, the building feels like a meandering house with spaces to suit every studying style, from open and window-filled to a cozy, wood-paneled room reminiscent of Hogwarts. For outside studying, there are picnic tables and other furniture to take advantage of the gardens when the weather is nice. The Annex is home to our friendly service desk staff and where you’ll find the majority of library services on campus.
- Pick up and return books you requested through Catalyst
- Access physical course reserves
- Print, copy, and scan
- Pray or meditate in an interfaith prayer room
- Grab a matcha or latte from Higher Grounds Vending
Brody
Brody Learning Commons (BLC) offers different types of spaces with different noise levels. Work collaboratively in the Atrium and reservable group study rooms with white boards and tech equipment, or the seating in Brody Café may be more your speed. The Quiet Reading Room is perhaps the quietest and most serious of study spots, where even a whisper will be shushed. While you are there, drop by the Special Collections Reading Room to see some of the oldest and rarest stuff in our collections!
- Bloomberg terminals for news and finance tools
- Powerful workstations with dual monitors for work with GIS, data analysis, data visualization, machine learning, and 3D modeling
- Return books
- Print, copy, and scan
The Hut
Gilman Hall’s Hutzler Reading Room, called “The Hut” by generations of Blue Jays, is another spot for quiet study, with library carrels, large tables, and a variety of seating options from desks to sofas. For graduate students of Near Eastern Studies, History of Art, and Classics, swipe your J-card to access a dedicated research and teaching space in “Hut South.”
- Return books
- Print, copy, and scan
Hodson
In Hodson Hall we’ve added library carrels, tables, and additional seating to the open lobby areas on all three floors. There’s a reading room on the first floor, and graduate students can head to the third floor to find a dedicated study space accessible by J-Card swipe.
Peabody Library
Last, but certainly not least, a short shuttle ride away is George Peabody Library–Baltimore’s iconic “Cathedral of Books” and a beautiful and inspiring space for quiet study.
In the end there’s no need to lose your cool over finding a spot to study! Check out the options you have and park yourself wherever you are comfortable!