The ball has dropped, kisses exchanged, and confetti thrown: 2012 is finally here. I’m always curious to see how people want to improve their lives in the new year. At the top of my list is becoming better at soccer. While the library sadly can’t transform me into an athlete, here are several ways that we can help you achieve your resolutions.

 1. Find a job or internship.

 From Craigslist to LinkedIn, it seems like there are a billion job sites out there. Where do you even begin? Well, check out our LibGuide first! We’ve compiled resources on everything from scouring job listings to crafting the perfect resume. If you’re not sure what you can do with your major, don’t feel discouraged. Explore positions in different fields, or take the unconventional path by teaching English in a foreign country.  You never know what you might stumble upon in our LibGuide.

 We also have plenty of e-books from which you can learn how to write a basic cover letter or how to nail that final interview. Suggested e-books can be found at the bottom of each tab’s page. And if you’re on campus, swing by the Office of Career Planning and Placement to get face-to-face advising, skills assessments, job listings, and more.

 2. Eat healthier.

 While most of us would never knock our parents’ cooking, we could all probably eat a little bit better. Besides, it can be fun to explore different cuisines and experiment with alternative methods. Check out our e-books (or drop by the stacks), and pick up cookbooks for endless inspiration, like Rachel Ray’s 365: No Repeats (TX833.5 .R387 2005), Great Whole Grain Breads, Great Old-Fashioned American Recipes, or Low-Calorie Cookbook : More than 200 Delicious Recipes for Healthy Eating (RM222.2 .L653 2003).  For more of a historical look at food, travel to the world with Scandinavian Feasts: Celebrating Traditions Throughout the Year, The Multicultural Cookbook for Students (TX725.A1 A34 1993), Betty Crocker’s New International Cookbook (TX725.A1 C662 1989), or Cooking With Jane Austen (TX717 .O67 2005) (best title ever, right?)  One interesting e-book we have is Gunflint Lodge Cookbook: Elegant Northwoods Dining.  I’m not exactly sure how you eat elegantly at gunpoint, but hey, you only live once, right?

 3. Get better grades.

 Well, we can’t do your homework for you, but we can certainly help you succeed. We can help sharpen your writing skills, track down a peer-reviewed article for a paper, and impress your professor with a top-notch presentation. Research doesn’t have to be boring, tedious, and confusing. Email our staff experts, or drop by the circulation desk at the entrance, and get that A today.

 If what you need isn’t information, but a quiet place to focus on campus, ask Mandi Moning at the front service desk to schedule a private study room. Some rooms even come with specialized tools, like clinical simulations for nursing majors and listening stations for music majors. Also, check out the renovated Library Living Room in HY101!

In a space that colorful, you’ll never fall asleep while studying – unless you get a little too comfortable in one of our beanbag chairs.

 If you can’t make it to the library, or if we’re closed, don’t worry! We’re online to help. Post on our Facebook wall, or email iueref@iue.edu, it’s that easy!

 So tell us: what do you hope to accomplish this year?