University Library | Multimedia Learning Center | Computing Labs
1. The University LibraryAn essential resource for Weinberg College students, and others at Northwestern, is the University Library. The university library is actually composed of several separate libraries, including both the Main Library and the more specialized libraries, such as the Seeley G. Mudd Library of Science and Engineering and the Mathematics Library. The library network also includes several special collections; among these are the Melville J. Herskovits Africana Collection and the Art Collection. You can find a list of all the specialized collections, as well as tips on where to find resources on various topics, at the Library Collections webpage. Northwestern's libraries provide access to knowledge and skills through many media: books, original manuscripts, musical scores and recordings, digital databases, magazines and journals, films and videos, and the World Wide Web. Through the main library webpage, you can get to many useful resources. These include online catalogs for all the Northwestern libraries, articles placed on electronic reserve for classes you may be taking, electronic databases you can use to search for articles on topics you are studying, general and specialized online dictionaries and encyclopedias, and much more.
2. The Multimedia Learning Center (Kresge Centennial Hall, lower level, 491-3101)Northwestern's Multimedia Learning Center (MMLC) functions as a media center, library, and computing lab. The center includes a large collection of audiotapes, many of which are designed to accompany the texts used in Weinberg College courses. Resources for foreign language courses are a special focus. The MMLC also includes two computer labs, including an open-use cluster of PowerMacs. Computers available through the MMLC feature tools for proofreading your work in many foreign languages, a very valuable resource for students taking foreign language courses. Other course-related software is available through the MMLC computers as well. Carts equipped with computer, video and audio equipment are available for use in Kresge classrooms that do not have such equipment built in permanently.
3. Computing LabsPublic computing labs are available throughout the Northwestern campus. You can use the computers in these labs to prepare course papers, to do complex analysis of data, to access web resources, or just to check your e-mail. Sometimes professors will reserve a computing lab for a class meeting. Both students and professors may plan for small-group sessions in computing labs. From the main computing lab web page you can get to detailed information about all the public computer labs on campus. This includes their locations, the hours during which they are open, and information on the computer hardware and software available in each lab. You can find out whether a particular lab has computers compatible with others that you use, and you can also find out whether these computers have the software you need for doing your class assignments.
