As graduates of Alfred University, alumni are invited to continue using the physical collections of the Herrick Memorial Library and the Samuel R. Scholes Library at the community patron level. Alumni also have virtual access to two premium library databases. Accessing the databases requires a login through the Alfred University Alumni Network portal, where you can register your email address and status as an Alfred University alum.

Get started by registering your email address and status as an Alfred University Alumn at: alumni.alfred.edu.  

Library Card  

Alumni who live in the vicinity of Alfred University or visit Alfred frequently enough to make use of our physical collections are welcome to obtain a library card as community members, which can be used at both Herrick Memorial Library and the Samuel R. Scholes Library of Ceramics.  There is no specific residency requirement or mileage radius.  Stop by Herrick or Scholes Library with a photo ID, complete a short library card application, and receive a Community Member account.  Current information on loan periods and item limits can be found at: libraries.alfred.edu/policies.

Databases of Online Journals and Magazines

Although vendor licensing restrictions prevent us from providing alumni access to our complete collection of online databases, the Alfred University Libraries subscribe to two full-text databases specifically designed to support alumni research interests and professional and recreational reading: Academic Search-Alumni Edition and Business Source-Alumni Edition.

How to Access the Databases

Create an Alumni Network account. Register your email address and status as an Alfred University Alumni through the Alfred University Alumni Network found at: alumni.alfred.edu.  For assistance logging in to the Alumni Network, contact Alumni Relations at: alumni@alfred.edu.  

Log in to the Alumni Network page. Navigate to the Alumni Resources page by selecting “More” from the menu bar at the top of the page. Then scroll down to “Library Resources” to find links to the databases.

Academic Search Alumni Edition 

With a broad scope, Academic Search Alumni Edition offers alumni a full-text research tool, as well as indexing and abstracts for thousands of peer-reviewed journals and general periodicals.  Search the complete list of Journal Titles here. 

Popular areas of academic study include business, biology, criminal justice, anthropology, and psychology, as well as art, music, education, philosophy, and religion. 

Content Includes: 

• 1,000+ active full-text journals and magazines 
• 1,000+ active full-text, peer-reviewed journals 
• 500+ active full-text, peer-reviewed journals with no embargo 

Business Source Alumni Edition 

Designed for the business research needs of post-college professionals, Business Source Alumni Edition provides full-text access to current information from a variety of sources, including business magazines, top management journals, trade publications, country economic reports, industry reports, market research reports, and company profiles.   Search the complete list of Journal Titles here. 

Content Includes: 

• 500+ Active full-text journals and magazines 
• 300+ Active full-text, peer-reviewed journals 
• 100+ Active full-text, peer-reviewed journals with no embargo 

Access to the Archives 

Alumni are welcome to contact the University Archives or the College Archives with questions regarding the history of Alfred University and the College of Ceramics.  The Archives Team can be reached at: archives@alfred.edu. The Archives at Alfred University comprises the University Archives in Herrick Library and the New York State College of Ceramics Archives in Scholes Library. The Archives collect, preserve, and provide access to historic and primary source collections. All members of the University, the community at large, and external researchers are encouraged to use and learn from the materials.  

Think you have something that belongs in the Archives? 

The University Archives and College of Ceramics Archives primarily accept material related to the history of Alfred University and the New York State College of Ceramics. This also includes local history, faculty publications, and documentation of the student experience for any period in our campus history, including the experiences of typically underrepresented groups at Alfred University.  More information on the Archives services and collections, and how to donate to the Archives can be found at: libraries.alfred.edu/archives   

Questions? For more information on library services for alumni, contact us at: libraries@alfred.edu  

The classic novel 1984 by George Orwell has been selected for the 4th annual “One Book One Alfred” community read event.

Pick up a free copy of 1984 by George Orwell in graphic novel or classic novel format from any library in Alfred. Copies available at the “Box of Books” Alfred Public Library, Hinkle Memorial Library (Alfred State), Herrick Memorial Library, or Scholes Library (Alfred University). Then join us for refreshments and a book discussion!

The book discussion will take place on Wednesday, April 15th, at 5:00pm at the Terra Cotta Coffeehouse.
Refreshments will be provided.

Free and open to the entire Alfred area community. Students, staff, faculty, and area residents of all ages are invited!

The Alfred University Libraries invite faculty and staff to nominate current students for the AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award.

Student award winners receive $150, a certificate, and recognition for their outstanding efforts at Honors Convocation. Descriptions of each award and links to nomination forms are below.

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 6th, 2026. 

AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award 

This award recognizes student researchers at the undergraduate or graduate level who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and an understanding of information literacy and the research process through an original course-related research project, in any format or medium, including creative work, that utilizes AU Libraries collections, resources, and services.  

AULibraries Outstanding Researcher Award 2026 – Nomination form

Questions about eligibility or criteria may be sent to: libraries@alfred.edu. 

The Alfred University Libraries invite nominations from AU faculty and staff for the AU Libraries Community Impact Award to recognize an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who makes a positive impact on the Alfred community. Award winners receive $150, a certificate, and recognition for their outstanding efforts at Honors Convocation.

Nominations from AU faculty and staff will be accepted through Monday, March 6th, 2026.

AU Libraries Community Impact Award  

This award acknowledges and celebrates undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in promoting the Libraries’ values on campus and in the community, with clear, positive impacts resulting from their efforts.

Some of AU Libraries’ core values are a commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression, support for intellectual and cultural diversity, the free and open pursuit of knowledge, and a passion for sustainability. As part of an ongoing dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, the Alfred University Libraries seek to empower students to explore diversity issues, expand scholarly conversations beyond the historically dominant voices and perspectives, and inspire others to advance social justice.   

AULibraries Community Impact Award 2026 – Nomination form

Questions about eligibility or criteria may be sent to: libraries@alfred.edu. 

Alfred University Libraries offers course reserves at both Herrick and Scholes Libraries. 

What are Course Reserves? 

• The Library’s Course Reserves service allows instructors to set aside materials related to a current course for in-library use, so they may be shared by students.
• Reserves are typically books or DVDs, but may also include other items related to your course, such as maps, samples, diagrams, or photos.
• Items will remain on reserve for the semester while the course is running and are removed from reserves at the end of the semester, unless you request them for longer. 

Why place items on Course Reserve in the Libraries? 

• It allows students to access materials that can be expensive or hard to obtain. 
• Students have expressed appreciation for having required readings on reserve, as this can save them substantial costs. 
• Because AU Libraries are open 7 days a week during the academic year, placing items on course reserves increases access to shared-use items. 

What can be placed on Course Reserve in the Libraries? 

• Library-owned materials, such as books, DVDs, and other media in our collection.
• Instructor-owned materials. (Your items are returned at the end of the semester/year). Copies of textbooks are very popular! 
• Non-traditional items, such as shared equipment or small supplies. Previous examples have included graphing calculators, rock samples, and small toolkits for group projects. If you would like to place a non-traditional item on course reserve, please email the Public Services Librarian, Rai Yiannakos (yiannakos@alfred.edu), to discuss the logistics.
• Please note: Interlibrary Loans and Resource Sharing items cannot be placed on course reserve.

How do Faculty submit a Course Reserve Request?

In Person 

• Visit Herrick or Scholes Library and select the items from the shelf that you would like to place on Course Reserve. Or bring in your own materials/books. 
• Ask at the service desk for a Reserve Request form and complete the item and course information.
• Plan to allow up to 5 business days for processing items you request be placed on reserve before they are available to students.

Online 

• Complete the online Course Reserve form found on our website at: https://libraries.alfred.edu/reserves/faculty-info
• The form will request: Name of the course; Course number and section number; List of item call numbers or permalinks to the library items through our online catalog, Primo. 
• Plan for up to 5 business days for processing before the items are available to students.

Is there an Electronic Reserve Service? 

• For information on linking library materials in Canvas, contact your liaison librarian or email libraries@alfred.edu 

For more information: Visit: https://libraries.alfred.edu/reserves/faculty-info

Email questions about course reserves to: Rai Yiannakos, Public Services Librarian at yiannakos@alfred.edu

For information on textbook alternatives like Open Education Resources (OER) email Scholarly Communications Librarian, Samantha Dannick at dannick@alfred.edu

-Alfred University Libraries

Alfred University Libraries are excited to share our newest LibGuide: AI Literacy

Librarians across the United States are on the front lines of figuring out what AI means for research, and the Alfred University Libraries are no different. We are excited to share our newest LibGuide: AI Literacy.

This guide is meant to complement the recently developed Alfred Univesity Teaching and Learning Center AI webpage by offering a dynamic set of definitions for AI terminology; guidance on use of Generative AI for research; ethical considerations for using AI in research including privacy, bias, environmental impact, and copyright concerns; guidance for evaluating AI powered research tools; as well as an overview of research tools in the libraries that utilize AI.  

This LibGuide also provides an example of how Alfred University Librarians can support faculty, staff, and students in their teaching and learning. Faculty who would like a librarian to come to your class to talk about AI, please reach out to your library liaison or email us at Alfred University Libraries. Students who would like to schedule a reference consultation can reach out to their Personal Librarian directly or to Alfred University Libraries.

How Faculty can use Library Course Reserves to enhance students’ access to learning materials

What are Course Reserves?
The Alfred University Libraries’ Course Reserves service allows instructors to set aside books, DVDs, or other materials related to a current course for in-library use, to be shared by students. Course Reserve lists typically include required and recommended reading for a course, but can consist of other items related to your course. Items will remain on reserve during the semester the course is running.

Why place items on Course Reserve in the Libraries?
This service enables students to share materials, thereby improving access to items that may be expensive or difficult to obtain. Students have expressed appreciation for having required reading placed on course reserve, as this can create substantial cost savings for them. Because AU Libraries are open 7 days a week during the academic year, placing items on course reserves increases access to shared-use items.
Items are accounted for. Even though the items are used within the library space, students still check them out. This allows us to obtain usage statistics and ensure the return and continued availability of the items.

What can be placed on Course Reserve in the Libraries?
Library-owned materials such as books, DVDs, or other media in our collection.
Instructor-owned materials. (Your items are returned at the end of the semester/year). Copies of textbooks are very popular! Non-traditional items like shared equipment or small supplies are needed for a course and are a good match for storing in a library. Previous examples have included plug-and-play keyboards, graphing calculators, and small tool kits for group projects.

How can faculty submit a Course Reserve request?
In Person
Visit Herrick or Scholes Library and select the items from the shelf that you would like to place on Course Reserve. Or bring in your own materials/books.
Ask at the service desk for a Reserve Request form and complete the item and course information.
Plan to allow up to 5 business days for processing items that you request to be placed on reserve before they will be available to students.

Online
Complete the online Course Reserve form found on our website at: https://libraries.alfred.edu/reserves/faculty-info
The form will request:
o Name of the course
o Course number and section number
o List of item call numbers or permalinks to the library items through our online catalog, Primo.

Please allow up to 5 business days for processing before the items will be available to students.
Faculty, if you have placed library materials on course reserves in previous semesters, please check in with library staff to confirm if the items are still on course reserve, or notify library staff if items you have previously placed on course reserve are no longer needed.

Do Alfred University Libraries have an Electronic Reserve Service?
Alfred University Libraries do not currently operate an electronic course reserve service. The best way to make electronic materials available to your students is through your courses’ Canvas page. For information on linking library materials in Canvas, contact your liaison librarian or email libraries@alfred.edu

For more information:
Visit: https://libraries.alfred.edu/reserves/faculty-info
Email: Alfred University Libraries

Alfred University Librarians, Maria Planansky, Mechele Romanchock, and Rai Yiannakos will serve as editors for the forthcoming book Student Workers in Academic Libraries.

Call for Chapter Proposals

The editors of Student Workers in Academic Libraries, a forthcoming title from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) invite library professionals from all levels – library student workers, library staff, librarians, and administration alike – to share their work and submit chapter proposals for the volume. 

Several years after the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a renewed focus on mentorship, career readiness, pedagogical approaches, and empathy-forward leading when it comes to higher education and student employment in academic libraries. Student workers don’t fit a mold; they are a diverse group ranging from first-generation students to student athletes to parents. Student workers are the heart of the library and integral to its operations. Student Workers in Academic Libraries serves as a community space to showcase the whole student worker experience and help readers create high-impact work experiences. 

We invite chapter proposals that can take a variety of forms: case studies, best practices, pedagogical theory, or novel and unique program models. Chapters are strongly encouraged to include practical sample documentation for readers to modify and adapt such as job descriptions, applications and interview questions, contracts, orientation and training plans, budget templates, as well as reflections from current or recent library student workers.  

Potential topics include, but are not limited to: 

• Developing job descriptions, recruiting, and hiring  
• Orientation and training 
• Project management and creating meaningful work for student employees 
• Budgeting for student worker programs including federal work-study and non-work-study students 
• Communicating expectations, performance evaluations, coaching, and feedback 
• Incorporating transferrable professional skills and career-readiness 
• Scaffolded work experience 
• A mentorship approach to supervision of student workers  
• Leadership philosophy as a supervisor  
• Connecting your student worker program to your institution’s goals 
• Program models such as student supervisor programs, graduate student programs, or internships 
• Case studies on student workers in different academic library departments such as: Reference, Access or Public Services, Special Collections, Technical Services, Archives 
• Equity and accessibility in the workplace in the context of library student workers 
• Working with and within labor unions 

Timeline: 

• Chapter proposals due April 1, 2025 
• Notifications sent by May 1, 2025 
• Final chapters submitted July 11, 2025 
• Feedback and revisions September and October 2025 

Chapter proposals should include the names of all contributing authors, a contact email for the main author, a working title, 3-5 keywords describing your proposed topic, a description of your proposed chapter that does not exceed 500 words, and a list of potential sample documents your chapter would include. 

In the proposal review process, we will prioritize practical applications of proposals that focus on critical perspectives such as (but not limited to): gender and sexuality theory, critical race and ethnicity studies, disability studies, neurodiversity, decolonization, and other perspectives and experiences underrepresented in both libraries and academia. We also encourage those new to publishing to submit. 

Chapters should be no more than 5,000 words in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, and citations in Chicago Manual of Style notes and bibliography. 

If you are interested in submitting a chapter proposal, please fill out the Microsoft Form by April 1, 2025.  

Note: the editors of this book believe in compassion-based care, mentorship, and communication at all levels. We understand the stress and anxiety involved in submitting items for review and publication and strive to ensure transparency, respect, and support to all who submit.

For any questions, please contact Maria Planansky, Mechele Romanchock, and Rai Yiannakos at studentworkersinlibraries@gmail.com.   

The Alfred University Libraries are pleased to accept nominations from AU faculty and staff for the AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award to be given to a student at this year’s Honors Convocation. 

AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award  

This award recognizes student researchers at the undergraduate or graduate level who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and an understanding of information literacy and the research process as part of an original course-related research project, in any format or medium including creative work, that utilizes AU Libraries collections, resources, and services.  

Nomination Form for Outstanding Research Award 

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 3^rd 2025 

Student award winners receive $150, a certificate, and recognition for their outstanding efforts at the Honors Convocation ceremony on April 25th, 2025.  

Questions about eligibility or criteria may be sent to libraries@alfred.edu. 

The Alfred University Libraries are pleased to invite nominations from Alfred University staff and faculty for the AU Libraries Community Impact Award to honor our exceptional students. 

The AU Libraries Community Impact Award acknowledges and celebrates undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in promoting the Libraries’ values on campus and in the community with clear and positive impacts as the result of these efforts. Some of the Libraries’ core values are a commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression, support for intellectual and cultural diversity, the free and open pursuit of knowledge, and a passion for sustainability. As part of an ongoing dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, the Alfred University Libraries seek to empower students to explore diversity issues, expand scholarly conversations beyond the historically dominant voices and perspectives, and inspire others to advance social justice.  

AU Libraries Community Impact Award Nomination Form 

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 3^rd, 2025  

Student award winners receive $150, a certificate, and recognition for their outstanding efforts at the Honors Convocation ceremony on April 25th, 2025.  

Questions about eligibility or criteria may be sent to libraries@alfred.edu.