Study - How to Read Difficult Material - Sharing What Works for Me

Here are a few preliminary steps to follow before reading a difficult assignment. It will only take 3-5 minutes, but will help you glean.

1. Hold the book and just look/skim the front/back cover; remember to enjoy the art and how it applies to you.

2. Skim over the paper dust cover on the inside front and back cover.

3. Take note of author(s) and publisher; do they mean anything to you at this point? You may like books from a particular author/publisher, or those significant to your field.

4. Skim, top to bottom, highlights from the Table of Contents; this is one of the most critical steps. The Table of Contents tells you the order, priorities, stages of study, and really separates the trees from the forest when you feel overwhelmed. The Table of Contents will be your anchor when you are in the tempest. Do not be afraid to stop reading and just 'visit' the Table of Contents from time to time.

5. Look at the first chapter title, subtitles, and general outline. Take note of bold/italic typesetting, punctuation marks, and how the chapter is organized.

6. Look at only the first page of each following chapter and the main title. Mark them with a light bookmark such as a plain paper strip that will not distract your concentration when you begin reading.

7. Last step - repeat this step when you begin reading each chapter: Re-skim the main title and headings in the first chapter and read carefully the last paragraph of the chapter (usually no more than 10 lines). Remember to skim the paragraph first for typesetting and punctuation, and then read for content.

Now you are ready to begin reading, take notes, outline, and have a great time with fellow gleaners.

Post Script: Don't forget the pocket dictionary. Always stop to look up words you don't know and can't define by the sentance structure. Your dictionary should be the worn out copy you have used since junior high; the one that turns by itself, like the Bible you always carry to church.

Study - Library of Congress...thank God for USA

LOC made simple:

Example: BS 123 . A456 v.2 1990

BS Alphabetical A, AB, ABC, B, BA, BB, C, etc

123 Whole number 1, 2, 3, etc

. A 456 Alphabetical A, AB, ABC, B, BA, BB, C, etc
Decimal number following the letter is a decimal ex: .1222, .2, .23,

V. 2 Volume...numerical/alphabetical order V. 1, V. 2, etc

1990 Chronological year 1990, 1991, 1992, etc.

Stacks are read 'left to right; top of a bookcase to bottom'.

When all else fails, just ask; 'we live for this stuff'.

Study - Library - Campbell University Library...a Time Saver

Here it is:

The Camel Cat will tell you exactly where to find your book and the location sequence is below.

Go through the current Serials/Periodical Room to Kivett Hall and use the elevator or stairs.

Kivett 1st floor = Periodical Room with back issues
Kivett 2nd floor = A - BS (study carrels)
Kivett 3rd floor = BT - DE (theological study area with tables and easy chairs)
Kivett 4th floor = DF - GV (easy chairs)

To get to the Wiggins basement, go back through current Serials/Periodical Room to use Wiggins elevator or the down stairwell located at the left rear of the Reference area. Hint: the stairwell takes you directly in the stack area.

Wiggins Basement = H - Z; Oversized Books; Government Documents; Microform; and yes, study areas with tables, carrels, and quiet room of carrels.

And there you have it; a wonderful opportunity for study. All this blogger can say is, "Wow, I wish I were a Campbell student; nail biting and all."

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this blogger is to simply encourage and edify. There is no claim of enlightenment, only the joy of the journey. The Creator, blessed be His Name, has shown mercy and grace to allow each individual a faith in which to believe and trust.