Promoting Climate Resilience through the Library

Librarians Kevin Adams and John Hosford applied and won funding for the American Library Association grant: Resilient Communities – Libraries Respond to Climate Change.

The grant comes with funding as well as film screening rights to support Alfred University Libraries as we design resources and programs that will create educational opportunities and public forums for community members to come together to learn, build connections, and grow toward a more sustainable and prepared future.

Alfred University Libraries are happy to present the new virtual Climate Resilience Information Hub. The virtual information hub includes movies, books, databases and articles, and open web resources. Due to COVID-19, not all materials in this hub are available to the broader community. If you need help accessing specific items, please contact Kevin Adams at adamska@alfred.edu.

Over the course of the 2021 Spring semester, Alfred University Libraries will host virtual film screenings for the broader Alfred community, which will be paired with programming to allow film viewers to come together and discuss topics like climate change and community preparedness. Details on film screenings and programming are forthcoming.

Information Literacy & Library Instruction

The Libraries are offering Information Literacy and Library Instruction sessions for all courses at Alfred University. We can provide anything from a basic library orientation to an advanced information literacy sessions.

We are happy to work with you to create a customized session that fits your learning objectives and the needs of your students. For more on the options available to you, check out this menu: Information Literacy Instruction Menu.

To request a library instruction session, please contact your liaison librarian or use this form: Information Literacy Instruction Registration Form.

Image: Two classroom participants consulting information.

Where Can I Study?


In an effort to support student learning while maintaining social distancing, numerous spaces around campus have been made available for studying or participating in classes online.


Herrick and Scholes Libraries both have study spaces and computers available. A limited number of reservable spaces are available for commuters or students taking courses online.
Email libraries@alfred.edu for more information.

Library hours can be found here:
Herrick
Scholes

Campus Computer Labs are available when not in use for scheduled classes. A list of spaces and hours can be found here.

There are additional spaces around campus such as Powell Campus Center, The Science Center, Miller and Seidlin. Some of these spaces are available for students studying specific subjects or require a reservation.
More details can be found here.

Link: https://alfred.libapps.com/libguides/admin_c.php?g=1013274&p=7837589

Scholes Library Student Employee VanRenselaar ’22 competes in KCACTF Auditions

Alfred University News

Kirstin VanRenselaar
Kirstin VanRenselaar

Kirstin VanRenselaar ’22 (Education, History, Theater major and Scholes Library student employee) was chosen to compete in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre (KCACTF) Festival Irene Ryan Auditions, performing two monologues on Zoom for the national selection team.

She was part of a group of 16 actors screened from an original pool of 220 actors from the seven states that make up KCACTF Region 2.

VanRenselaar was nominated for her work in UnBound: A Loose-Leaf Theater project on Racial and Social Justice, produced at Alfred University Nov. 6, 7, 8 via Zoom, guided by Alfred University Performing Arts faculty Becky Prophet, Maureen Weiss, Zachary Hamm, and Debra MacCrea.

Unbound was a first for the Performing Arts Division at Alfred University.  The entire creative process was engaged to stream the live performance.  Every actor, designer, crew member, as well as faculty and staff engaged in Unbound seized the opportunity to tackle a new means of performance by learning the Zoom platform and experimenting with the ever-increasing options of digital theater, which became a major medium for Alfred University in March when classes moved on-online. 

In addition to her role in Unbound, VanRenselaar also performed multiple roles in Annie Jump in the Library of Heaven. Both plays were produced the fall in Alfred University’s Fall semester.  

Kirstin VanRenselaar has been acting since the third grade and has played many roles over the years, her favorite being Polonious from Hamlet. Since coming to Alfred she has played Orgon in Tartuffe, Mrs. Gomez in Annie Jump and the Library of Heaven, and participated in the most recent production- Unbound. She is currently working on preparing for her future role of high school teacher, in which she hopes to inspire her students as she has been inspired by those who have taught her.

What's Available in the Libraries?

Herrick and Scholes Libraries are here to support the campus with remote services and limited onsite services under COVID safety protocols.

See the Herrick and Scholes Library websites for current hours.

What’s Available?

-Library books and media are circulated through contactless pick up via a request system. Requests can be picked up at either Herrick or Scholes Library. Instructions can be found under the “Request Materials for Pickup” tab found through this link.

-PCs, printers, and scanners are available in both libraries to current AU students, faculty, and staff. The set up includes reduced seating capacity to support distancing.

-Article databases, Kanopy, and ebooks.

-Interlibrary Loan.

-Research assistance with Librarians and Archivists by video conferencing such as Zoom, or email. To check the availability of in-person appointments please contact a Librarian or Archivist directly, or contact libraries@alfred.edu.

-Library Instruction for classes.

-Study rooms can be reserved by commuters and other students who need a dedicated space to participate in online classes. Reservable space is limited. For more information, email: libraries@alfred.edu.

What’s Not Available?

-Shelf browsing materials in the stacks.

-Study rooms and conference rooms for groups.

-24-hour study rooms.

-Reserve Books (email libraries@alfred.edu and we will assist you via scanning or other alternatives).

-Shareable items like headphones, laptops, chargers, and markers.

Questions? Email libraries@alfred.edu

Link: https://libguides.alfred.edu/COVID

Information Literacy Modules for Asynchronous Learning

The Information Literacy Librarian, Kevin Adams, has created a series of Information Literacy modules to support student learning. These modules have been created for AU faculty to easily import into their Canvas courses. If you are interested in using any of these modules in a course, just email Kevin Adams at adamska@alfred.edu.

Each module has clearly stated learning outcomes. Topics currently include library concepts, finding sources, developing research questions, evaluating sources, and providing citations in MLA, Chicago, and APA. You can explore the modules here: Information Literacy Modules.

Sliding image compares two images: 1) Depicts a computer with a book on the screen and 2) depicts a tablet with a book on the screen.