The library is one of the most popular places at a western university. Students turn to it for research, conversations about class, and many other services.
Compared with Chinese libraries, college libraries, college libraries in the US and UK tent to offer more resources. A postgraduate at Yale University can borrow as many as 225 books at a time.
In addition to borrowing books, there are online and electronic resources. These include a database search of popular and academic material, such as LexisNexis Academic, which offer items from newspapers and magazines.
Although books and articles are the items that students ask for most frequently, some libraries provide audio and video recordings, maps and sheet music （活页乐谱）. At some schools, teachers and tutors put electronic copies of their teaching PPTs on the library Web to give easier access for students.
Another useful service in Western college libraries is the Interlibrary Loan. This allows a student at one school to borrow books from another school. The loan request is make through the student’s college library, which gets the book, gives it to the user, and arranges for its return.
Technology has brought more services to students and has made libraries attractive. Some universities have services for students to send messages through the computer or mobile texts to ask the library staff for information.
Earlier this year, Harvard University introduced a new Scan and Deliver service, allowing students to make requests for parts of books and articles. Requests made through the system are handled by library staff. The student receives and e-mail with an Internet link to the scanned pages. The service is free and all material comes within four days.
It used to be that libraries didn’t allow food or drinks. But that rule is changing and many of them now contain a café so students can spend as much time as they want in the library.
Actually, some US university libraries are now all-night affairs, or have at least one study room open all night.
1. In Western college libraries a postgraduate can ______.
A. have a free drink or a meal
B. borrow as many books as they want
C. access not only books but other study resources
D. ask questions and get answers from their tutors
2. LexisNexis Academic is the name of ______.
A. a database
B. a library
C. a university
D. a guide
3. How can a college student borrow books from other college’s libraries?
A. By going to these libraries.
B. By getting them through the Internet.
C. By sending messages through the computer or mobile texts.
D. By borrowing them through their own library.
4. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Chinese library services are better than western ones.
B. Library staff play an important role in college library service.
C. Postgraduates can post their own PPTs to the library website.
D. 24-hour services are adopted in all western libraries nowadays.
5. Why are university libraries more attractive now?
A. Because students can eat and drink there at any time.
B. Because students can have a stay-over there all night.
C. Because students can enjoy quicker and more convenient services.
D. Because students can borrow anything they want there.
