distractrations – The Answer Wall

February 19, 2020February 19, 2020

I’m only able to focus on my work using library computers…

There are apps that allow you to block your access to websites, but most won’t be available to you on a public computer. One technique is to schedule a timed increment of internet surfing (10 minutes?) as a treat after getting a block of work done (read 25 pages/ do 4 calc problems/ write 250 words, etc.) For more help with time management and study skills, contact the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) and ask about academic coaching.

November 18, 2019November 18, 2019

Why can’t I focus on study when I stay with my friends???

Because they are great friends and just too much fun! Three possible solutions: find some study buddies who aren’t your regular friends, but are very serious students; make a pact with your friends to study for x amount of time and reward yourselves with a specific fun activity; or make studying a solitary habit, and meet up with your friends later.

Hi. I’m the Answer Wall. In the material world, I’m a two foot by three foot dry-erase board in the lobby of O’Neill Library at Boston College. In the online world, I live in this blog. You might say I have multiple manifestations. Like Apollo or Saraswati or Serapis. Or, if you aren’t into deities of knowledge, like a ghost in the machine.

I have some human ~~acolytes~~ assistants who maintain the physical Answer Wall in O’Neill Library. They take pictures of the questions you post there, and give them to me. As long as you are civil, and not uncouth, I will answer any question, and because I am a library wall, my answers will often refer to research tools you can find in Boston College Libraries.

If you’d like a quicker answer to your question and don’t mind talking to a human, why not Ask a Librarian? Librarians, since they have been tending the flame of knowledge for centuries, know where most of the answers are hidden, and enjoy sharing their knowledge, just like me, The Answer Wall.