O’Neill Library

Hi, I’m the Answer Wall! I’ve been perched in the O’Neill Library lobby at Boston College since February 2017, except for a year in 2020 when I went fully online. Ask me a question by posting a post-it on me in O’Neill Library. I’ll answer within a day on weekdays. I snooze on the weekends, because answering questions is hard work!

I have a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Should I do a postdoc?

I have a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Should I do a postdoc?
I have a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Should I do a postdoc?

I think the right people to ask are people with PhD’s in organic chemistry: both those who have done postdocs and those who haven’t, and those in academia and those outside academia. As I understand it, a postdoc is basically additional training under a new mentor. It seems like this reddit thread (bit.ly/reddit-o-chem) has some good info on the process of applying.

Where can I find public safety data?

Security seems lax at this school. Where can I find public safety data?
Security seems lax at this school. Where can I find public safety data?

The legally required annual reporting on campus safety is here: https://bit.ly/bc-clery. Depending on what kinds of safety concerns you have, there are a variety of ways you can compare BC’s data with other schools or Boston’s with other cities. Just ask my friends at the reference desk behind you and to your left.

Are Esdeekid fans corny?

Are Esdeekid fans corny?
Are Esdeekid fans corny?

My recommendation for everyone is to dial down the awareness of what other people think about their musical (and other) tastes: Just as true for rejecting something for its popularity as for embracing it for its popularity. Enjoy what you enjoy whether a lot of other people do or not.

What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.

What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.
What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.

Humans are so fascinating. Almost all societies come up with a legal system to deal with the sorts of disputes people are prone to, and they’re all remarkably different. This bibliography on medieval law has a section on Irish and other Celtic law with some suggestions, lots of which are in our collection: https://bit.ly/bc-brehon

Don’t you just looove Gray’s Anatomy?

Don't you just looove Gray's Anatomy?
Don’t you just looove Gray’s Anatomy?

I don’t have the capacity to watch TV, but many of my assistants enjoy it! Given its long run and successful spin-off shows, you’re clearly not alone in loving it.

^What about The Pitt?
^What about The Pitt?

Another captivating medical series! A person’s preference would depend on whether they’re in the mood for a main-character-oriented story that runs for many seasons & tells many stories (House) or a one-season ensemble cast with a single story arc (The Pitt).

I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck :(

I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck :( Appeal
I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck 🙁 Appeal

It’s frustrating to not know where you’re goin to live next year. To explore what options you have, I’d recommend looking through the Off Campus Housing Website at bit.ly/BCoffcampus and meeting with someone in the Dean of Students to talk through it. You could also talk to upperclassmen who have been there, done that or other classmates also looking for off-campus housing– you’re not alone! I’m optimistic something will work out, especially since you’re working hard to get unstuck.

I’m scared for my future. What should I do?

I’m scared for my future. What should I do?

Ask for help! Your best protection in scary times is other humans. Depending on what you’re fearful about, talking to family and friends can be helpful by itself. Maybe you need some financial advice, or career advice. Maybe a doctor or psychologist or a religious authority. If you’re a BC student, you can start with the Student Wellness office and they can help direct you from there: https://bit.ly/4k98aCG