Best Study Spot: Peter J. Shields Library

Shields has something for everyone when it comes to studying

Peter J. Shields Library, previously known as the University Farm, was founded in 1908 and has become one of the largest and busiest buildings at UC Davis. Study spaces include individual and group spots, tutoring rooms, print and copy machines, a 24-hour study room and an outdoor courtyard, with each floor varying in quiet or collaborative spaces.

Shields also has a lower level that provides an Information and Educational Technology (IET) computer room and a tutoring center. Specifically for graduate students, there are 35 private nooks with 28 faculty research rooms that are available to members of the Academic Senate, Academic Federation research titles and Emeriti faculty. There are over 300 artworks on display and a rotating exhibit, including pieces from Wayne Thiebaud and Robert Arneson.

“My favorite spot in the library is a spot with an outlet,” Faith Enriquez, a Ph.D student studying microbiology, said. “I think they need more of those in the library. I recommend people to study there because it’s a good spot to decompress, study and nap.”

Shields Library, which offers a 24-hour Study Room to all students with a valid ID, remains open for lengthy hours to accommodate student’s studying needs: Monday through Thursday, Shields operates from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m; on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m; on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m; and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

With a large reading hall on the second floor and plenty of stylized study rooms that students can reserve, Shields provides students with curated spaces to hone in on their To-Do list and lock-in. Just a short walk from the Memorial Union and the Silo, the library’s prime location also allows students to easily grab food or a drink to accompany their studying. Whether you’re cranking out a paper, studying for midterms or finals or simply reading one of the many books in the archives, Shields is an unbeatable place to be productive.

Written by: Mikala Slotnick — sports@theaggie.org