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Neurodiversity at USC Upstate: a Resource Guide: How to use the library

A guide with neurodiversity resources for students, faculty, and staff at USC Upstate.

Anxious or unsure about getting help at the library? Read this! 

If you feel anxious about using the library or talking to a librarian, you're not alone. Getting help from a librarian can feel like a daunting task--but we promise we're friendly and we're here to help! Here are some things to keep in mind ...

  • Embarrassed about your question? We've heard it all, and also we're completely confidential.
  • Overwhelmed? If you don't know what to do next, tell us that! We can help you figure it out. 
  • Not sure what to ask? We're pretty good at helping with that! Just let us know that, and we'll help you figure it out.
  • Worried that your problem is too big to handle? Reach out to us as soon as you can. We'll start where you are, and get you to where you need to be.
  • Trouble speaking, reading, or writing? Not a problem! We have multiple options for communicating with librarians. See below!

Ways to communicate with librarians

  • In person - The library has a research desk just inside the primary entrance. You can approach the desk at any time, and the librarian at the desk will be happy to assist you. If the librarian is helping someone else, or if the librarian has stepped away, you can also visit the information desk right nearby.  
    • good for questions the librarian will have to do some research to answer. Bad for speed. If your initial question doesn't have enough detail, the librarian will have to ask for more before they can answer.
  • Chat - visit Ask a Librarian, and a chat box will appear. This connects you to a real live librarian who's ready to help!
    • good for any kind of question. Bad if you have trouble reading/writing. Answered right away 24/7
  • Phone 864-503-5638
    • - good if you have trouble reading or writing. Bad if you have trouble speaking or hearing. Also bad if we might want to share links. 

Tips for starting a reference question

Whether you're on the phone, in person, or using chat, it's best to have ready:

  • Your device, with internet
  • A way of taking notes
  • Your project and any assignment instructions your professor has provided
  • Your syllabus
  • A browser window open to the library (https://www.uscupstate.edu/library)

All about our spaces ...

The library is a shared building, which means we have more than just the library within our walls! We also share our space with classrooms, Career Services, Student Success Center (including Tutoring), and other programs. 

The library's main floor houses:

  • our service desks (where you can go if you need help from a librarian)
  • our physical collections
  • a computer lab
  • lots of open seating
  • four study rooms
  • two multi-stall gendered restrooms
  • two single-user, gender-neutral restrooms
  • a cafe

The top floor of the library houses:

  • open study space
  • two computer lab/classrooms
  • twelve classrooms (not controlled by the library)
  • non-library services

If you need help wayfinding, the library's information desk--just inside the main entrance--can provide you with a map, and help you get where you need to go. 

Finding quiet

Because the library has lots of open study space and very few private study rooms, quiet or silent space can be difficult to find. Here are some tips to help if you're looking for reduced noise:

  • There's a designated quiet study space in the back of our library shelving, near room 118. The staff at the information desk or research desk can help you find it. You may hear some noise from the adjacent classroom, but it tends to be quieter than our primary seating areas.
  • Our upstairs computer labs are offered as quiet study space in-between classes. Please be sure to check the class schedule posted on the door.
  • The information desk offers noise-cancelling wireless headphones to borrow. These can be paired to your device via bluetooth.
  • Earplugs are available for free at the information desk.
  • Evenings tend to be (but aren't guaranteed to be!) quieter than daytime.

If you're having trouble finding a study space that works for you, please visit the staff at the information desk. They'll be happy to help however they can!