UNC Davis Library

I learned of this fascinating place one day from one of my professors. Apparently it’s something called a «library» and it has lots of «books and journals» in hard copy. This confused me, because I thought all knowledge was now online, and we were about 10 years away from just jacking in a la Neuromancer/​The Matrix/​Futurama.
Now, considering the only other library I know in Chapel Hill also has Red Bulls and Vodkas for $ 5 (and weird dance nights), I was concerned. How would I be able to find my way to the resources I needed when people were dancing all around them?
However, my fears were abated. Apparently this place has a quiet policy, and are strict on no drinks. What they do have is a lot of books, with reference books on the first floor and other resources well-​placed upstairs. There are multiple computer docks for your lappy, or if you do not have your computer with you, computers available whether you want to find out what book you need to find there, or if you need to check on your farm/​restaurant/​college town on Facebook. There are lots of study areas also available if you don’t want to work on a computer, or don’t need to power your computer.
They also have printing, helpful when one needs to print out their papers for classes. There are two printer sections: the 1^st floor and the 3^rd floor. If you happen to be a UNC grad student (Duck Fuke), then you too can print upstairs on the cheep at 5c per page (well, you already paid for it if you pay for the student fee). Downstairs is pay (10 cents a page).
So overall, the library has books and other wonderful things. I have also heard rumors of a basement.

It’s a place where I never really wanted to spend any time when I was in school, but I have mostly good things to say about Davis. I often darted in on my lunch break to check my email on those first floor computers (you do have to have a password for most of them now) and I loved the sixth and eighth floors for those unfortunate but necessary all-​night study sessions. The lower floors can get a bit noisy during peak times, but the upper levels are pretty much always quiet. The carrels are great for group work, although it can sometimes be tough to find one that’s open. The bathrooms are a little scary, but it’s an old building. And I cannot overstate the helpfulness of the staff — they’re a wonderful resource themselves.

I spent many a study session and many a catnap in Davis. You could always find me on the 5^th floor at the corner study room — with the eclectic couches, tables, and desks. The couches are not ideal for napping, particularly if you’re taller than 5 feet (which, luckily, I only barely am). You’ll want to use your bookbag or jacket as a pillow, since they don’t have removable cushions and feature hard arm rests. Be prepared to be accompanied by other nappers, some of whom snore, and some of whom appear to be vagrants and/​or vagabonds that have simply wandered in from Franklin Street. Despite that last note, I never did feel unsafe here.
There are ample computers on the main and next-​up level for doing your research. And there are also desk stations on every floor for you to plug your laptop into. And of course, there are books. Davis is the main library and most of your undergraduate research needs can be fed via this location.

In the grim land of Mordor that is the UNC Campus, Davis Library is Barad-​dur, the black tower rising from its center, heart of the dark power that makes the lives of the studious throb with despair and semi-​adequate grade point averages.
This library is a monster. Eight stories arranged in a labyrinth so fearsome that the Goblin King himself (still played by David Bowie) would decry the very essence of the Dewey Decimal System. If you get lost in here, don’t try to find your way out, you’ll only make the library more angry.
The good part is that there are books. Lots of books. Go ahead and pick a topic, and I’m pretty sure that Davis will have something to say on the subject. Hold on, let me try this… My roommate suggests «sprint genocide,» and lo, Davis contains books about sprint genocide. See how that works?
Studying in Davis is more an archaeological expedition than an academic exercise. Bring a flashlight, since the lighting here is kind of like a cave in an Indiana Jones movie (not the light that triggers a spear trap, though, thankfully). Also, depending on the day you might have to fight through hordes of chemistry and economics majors to find a place to sit.
It’s an old place, and it feels old. Trying to use any of the computers in the lobby is just plain silly, so don’t try (the Undergrad Library is just right there, how lazy are you, anyway?). The air circulation, acoustics, and lighting scream «teen slasher movie,» which can make it hard to concentrate. The best part is that there are tons of isolated spaces where, on slow nights, you can make the naked sex with an academically unmotivated co-​ed. And that’s worth two stars.

This library is 8 floors of studious students studying– it reeks of intellectual grandeur. This is a great place to study– if you wish to sit near the large paned window on the main level and people watch while you read or write your paper that’s due in 2 days; then this is a great option. If that doesn’t suit you then take the elevator up to a quite study area tucked on one of the other floors or you might want total seclusion while you work on your masterpiece– go to one of the study carrels if you please. There’s wireless internet all over campus and there is a long row of computers available on the 3^rd floor for your convenience, but you must have a login ID & password to access the computers. The computers on the main level are open to use without login parameters to look up a book etc. or do a quick look at your email.

Davis Library is UNC’s main library and also its largest. This historic Carolina building has one of the largest collection of library services in the entire state, region, and nation.
Davis’ services and offerings are well organized and convenient. Their staff – students and professionals alike – is helpful and well-​educated.
Some might think of Davis as a service to the University Community only, but all residents of North Carolina have borrowers and usage rights to UNC Libraries.
Davis has an ever-​expanding collection of library technologies as well. Should be a one-​stop shop for all your library needs.