Library, Museums and Press Bucket List for Students

1. Rub Judge Morris’ nose.

Just before the turnstiles in Morris Library, you’ll find a bust of the library’s namesake: Judge Hugh Morris. When you’re working on a class assignment or studying for an exam, be sure to rub his nose for good luck. This time-honored tradition is such a must-do that it made the official UD Bucket List.

2. Have a late-night study session.

Between a busy schedule and your course load, you might have some late nights studying and working on projects. On these nights, grab your coffee and head to Morris Library. During the fall and spring semesters, the library is open till 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and during the last week of classes and Finals Week, the library is open 24 hours.

3. Visit exhibitions in all four galleries.

Explore diverse forms of art and culture right here on campus. Every fall and spring semester, you’ll find exhibitions that highlight art, artifacts, minerals and rare books in Old College Gallery, Mechanical Hall Gallery, the Mineralogical Museum in Penny Hall, and the Special Collections Gallery in Morris Library. Check out what’s on view this semester.

4. Play a video game in a gaming carrel.

Not only can you check out video games to bring back to your dorm or apartment, but you can play them in Morris Library too. If you need to fill time between classes or just want to try out a game on a console you don’t have, bring your friends or come on your own to the Film and Video Collection on the lower level and let the gaming begin.

5. Work on a puzzle.

At any given time, you’ll find two puzzles in progress in the Reference Room of Morris Library. Whether you’re looking for something to do between classes or a way to shift gears while studying, stop by and add a piece—or 20—to the picture. The puzzles provide a way to let your mind unwind. Bonus points if you put the final piece in the puzzle.

6. Visit all eight of our locations.

This may take some time, but we have faith in you. There’s the main library, Morris Library, along with four branch libraries: the Chemistry Library in Brown Lab, the Physics Library in Sharp Lab, the Marine Studies Library in Cannon Lab on the Lewes campus, and the Education Resource Center in Willard Hall Education Building. There are also three gallery spaces outside of Morris Library, including Old College Gallery, Mechanical Hall Gallery and the Mineralogical Museum in Penny Hall.

7. Check out movies and TV shows.

Have a movie marathon or binge an entire series. Host a nostalgia-themed party with your favorite movies and TV shows from when you were a kid. Watch movies you haven’t seen on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest films. Try to watch all the films on IMDb Top 250. With access to so many films and TV shows in the Film and Video Collection, the sky is the limit.

8. Spend time in the Writing Center.

On the lower level, you’ll find one of the Writing Center’s locations on campus. Through one-on-one tutoring, they will provide guidance on writing a paper, making a good paper better and exploring different writing strategies. When the Writing Center is closed, as it is during Finals Week, the space is open for students to study in.

9. Check out a book.

It’s possible to spend a lot of time in Morris Library without checking out a book—you might spend your time writing in the Graduate Student Research Room, studying with classmates in the group study rooms, or doing most of your research in the Special Collections Reading Room or through our online databases and journals. But make sure you check out a book at least once. You can even use the “Get This for Me” service to have the book ready for you to pick up at the Circulation and Reserve desk.

10. Try your hand at virtual reality.

Whether you want to take a trip to Paris via Google Earth or create a 3D painting inspired by Bob Ross with Tilt Brush, in the Virtual Reality Studio, if you can dream it, you can do it. Get fully immersed in this innovative technology in the Student Multimedia Design Center, where you can access specialty studios and software and check out equipment to create your own multimedia masterpieces.

11. De-stress with therapy dogs.

During Finals Week in the fall and spring semesters, the Library hosts “Stress Less” activities—things like coloring, make-your-own healthy snack stations and game nights—designed to give you a study break. The fan-favorite event is always “Paws for a Break,” where we bring in therapy dogs to help you decompress with a new furry friend.

12. Learn a new skill at a workshop.

Gain insight on the best poster design techniques. Explore how to create a digital map that highlights your research. Learn how to get your work published. These are just a few of the skills you can develop through our series of workshops every fall and spring semester. Check out what’s on the slate for this semester.

13. Say “hello” to a librarian.

We are here to help you. If you have research questions, you’ll find resourceful librarians—all of whom are eager to assist you with your project—behind the Reference Desk as well as on chat, email and phone. You can also reach out to your subject librarian for assistance. If you don’t have a question, you can always just say “hello” as you walk by. We’ll say “hello” back. Some of us may even be willing to give you a high five.

14. Lighten your load with an e-book.

Whether you’re early to your next class, relaxing on the Green or away on vacation, bring an e-book with you to help you fill the time with recreational reading. Through OverDrive, you can download popular fiction and non-fiction titles onto your computer, e-reader or phone, so you can always have something to stimulate your mind wherever you go.

15. Take a selfie in your favorite study spot.

Maybe it’s near the windows on the third floor, so you can get natural light, see the trees and escape to the blue chairs when you need a break. Maybe it’s the quiet corner of the lower level because the David Bowie READ poster inspires you to stay motivated. Maybe it’s the main atrium on the second floor because you like the white noise of nearby chatter. Wherever your favorite place to study in Morris Library is, take a selfie to remember the many hours you have spent—or will spend—in that exact spot. If you post it on social media, make sure you tag #ClubMorris and #UDLibrary. If we see it, we’ll share it too.

 

Download and print your own UD Library, Museums and Press Bucket List, and start checking off those items today.