Alfred University Libraries will host its first Team Trivia Night of the fall semester from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 in Herrick’s Bookend Lounge.
Returning as host of Team Trivia Night is Mike Allen of Elmira. His trivia questions cover a broad range of topics such as current events, sports, geography, and history. He intersperses his trivia questions with pop music, making for an enjoyable evening for those participating.
After a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, this will be the twelfth year that Mike has been hosting Team Trivia twice a semester at Herrick Library. He has also hosted at Hornell area restaurants for more than a decade.
Groups are welcome to come to compete as a team; individuals are also welcome to play either solo or to join others to compete for the prizes awarded to the top teams.
Pizza and soft drinks along with milk and cookies will be provided, free of charge, to all participants.
Additional Team Trivia events at Herrick Library have been scheduled for the 2022-23 academic year have been scheduled for Saturdays, Nov.10, Feb. 18, and April 15.
Stop by and check our AU Libraries’ Pride displays at Herrick and Scholes!
Pride book display in Scholes Library
While supporting the voices of those in the LGBTQAI+ community is a year-round commitment, Pride Month presents an opportunity to really foreground the issues, ideas, and art of the LGBTQAI+ community.
Not only is Pride Month a time for celebration, but it is also a time for remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. This event, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, sparked a new wave of activism and tradition, which has grown over the past few decades.
According to the American Library Association, LGBTQ+ content is one of the most often cited reasons books are banned or challenged. Alfred University Libraries seek to be active partners in support of the LGBTQAI+ community, the freedom to read, and a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Here you can read the full AU Libraries Commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression including progress on our action items.
Pride book display in Herrick Library
Examples of Materials on Display (stop by for more!)
Below are some of the voices on display through June. Stop into either Herrick or Scholes Library for more materials and resources!
Spanning 125 years, Art and Queer Culture is the first major historical survey to consider the ways in which the codes and cultures of homosexuality have provided a creative resource for visual artists. Attempts to trouble the conventions of gender and sexuality, to highlight the performative aspects of identity and to oppose the tyranny of the normal are all woven into the historical fabric of homosexuality and its representation. From Oscar Wilde to Ryan Trecartin, from the molly houses of eighteenth-century London to the Harlem drag balls of the 1920s, the flamboyant refusal of social and sexual norms has fueled the creation of queer art and life throughout the modern period.
The Gay and Lesbian Guide to College by John Baez, Jennifer Howd, Rachel Pepper and Princeton Review
Herrick Memorial Library Display LB2343.32 B225 2007 A practical guide to higher education addresses the specific challenges confronting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students during their college career, covering such topics as how to select a college, dorm life, activism, health resources, support networks, and issues and resources for LGBT youth of color.
Herrick Memorial Library Display HQ76.965 .G38 B78 2016
On June 28, 1970, two thousand gay and lesbian activists in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago paraded down the streets of their cities in a new kind of social protest, one marked by celebration, fun, and unashamed declaration of a stigmatized identity. Forty-five years later, over six million people annually participate in 115 Pride parades across the United States.
Herrick Memorial Library Display HQ76.3 .U5 H3695 2009
In television shows such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and movies like Brokeback Mountain, as well as gay young adult novels and other media coverage of queer people – including the outing of several prominent Republicans – queer lives are becoming more visible in the media and in U.S. culture more generally. How does the increasing visibility of queer subjects within mainstream culture affect possibilities for radical and transformative queer activism?
Herrick Memorial Library DisplayHQ73.3 .U6 A44 2019
In Real Queer America, Allen takes us on a cross-country road trip stretching all the way from Provo, Utah, to the Rio Grande Valley to the Bible belt and to the Deep South. Her motto for the trip: ‘Something gay every day.’ Making pit stops at drag shows, political rallies, and hubs of queer life across the heartland, she introduces us to extraordinary LGBT people working for change, including the first openly transgender mayor in Texas, a bisexual activist in Mississippi, the manager of the only queer bar in Bloomington, Indiana, and many more. Along the way, Allen weaves in her own moving story of discovering her identity, venturing out of the closet, meeting her wife, and creating a national network of chosen family.
Herrick Memorial Library Display HQ76.8 .U5 D85 2019
On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village, was raided by police. But instead of responding with the routine compliance the NYPD expected, patrons and a growing crowd decided to fight back. The five days of rioting that ensued changed forever the face of gay and lesbian life. In Stonewall, renowned historian and activist Martin Duberman tells the full story of this pivotal moment in history. With riveting narrative skill, he recreates those revolutionary, sweltering nights in vivid detail through the lives of six people who were drawn into the struggle for LGBTQ rights.
We Are Here presents the bold and nuanced work of Black and Brown visionaries transforming the art world, with a particular focus on queer, trans and nonbinary artists. This collection features fifty of the most influential voices in New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. Striking photography of art, creative spaces, materials, and the subjects themselves is paired with intimate interviews that engage with each artist and influencer, delving into their creative process and unpacking how each subject actively works to create a more radically inclusive world across the entire art ecosystem.
Zanele Muholi by Zanele Muholi, Sarah Allen, & Yasufmi Nakamori
Scholes Library Display NH681.H65 M842 2020
Born in South Africa in 1972, Zanele Muholi came to prominence in the early 2000s with photographs that sought to envision black lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex lives beyond deviance or victimhood. Muholi’s work challenges hetero-patriarchal ideologies and representations, presenting the participants in their photographs as confident and beautiful individuals bravely existing in the face of prejudice, intolerance, and, frequently, violence.
Additional Resources
Below are resources for those looking to further their education, join the community, and keep Pride going all year long!
AU Libraries are hosting extended hours (see schedule below) in preparation for Final Exams. Starting Sunday, May 1st Herrick and Scholes Libraries will be offering free coffee, tea, and cocoa along with cookies to fuel your studying.
There are numerous reservable study rooms, group study areas, and walk-in spaces (no reservation required!) Rooms can be reserved here: Room Reservations
In addition, both Herrick and Scholes have 24-hour-access study spaces. These spaces are for AU students only, so show your AU ID at the front desk of Herrick or Scholes to obtain keycode access to these spaces.
Extended Library Hours for Final Exams Spring 2022:
This past fall semester, Haleigh Youll joined the Alfred University Libraries as our newest team member, taking on the role of Public Services Assistant. She is quickly making her mark in the libraries! You may have seen her at the service desk of Herrick Memorial Library or one of her displays in the BookEnd Lounge.
What was your background before Alfred University? I graduated from Olean Highschool in 2017 and completed my undergraduate degree at Alfred University in December of 2020. I am currently taking classes online through the University at Buffalo for a Master of Library and Information Science and am planning to graduate in the spring of 2023.
I have had so many different jobs over the years, ranging from assisting teachers for dance classes, daycare, substitute teaching and even cleaning horse stalls for barns. As far as library experience goes, I was a work-study student in both of the Alfred University Libraries throughout my time as an undergrad. I loved every minute of it. After college, I spent some time working in public libraries but was eventually sucked back into the world of college libraries. As a bonus, I am also currently an Instructional Support Assistant at Alfred State College’s Hinkle Memorial Library too!
What interests you about your current position?
I think what interests me the most is how diverse my role can be throughout the libraries. I feel like I always have different projects to work on and can learn so many different skills. One day I could be working on a project to meet the needs of our student workers and the next I could be creating a display.
What social media platforms do you use?
I think most of the population fell on the TikTok train shortly after the pandemic hit so I would be lying if I said this wasn’t my most used social media app. While I don’t make any videos myself, I love to add funny sounds to videos of my dog Butters (@buildingbutters).
Can you share one of your research tips?
One of my favorite things to do when tackling a large amount of reading or research is using the search function (ctrl+F) and looking for keywords through the document. If I find the article looks highly valuable to the research or assignment, I am completing I’ll go back and read the whole thing. If not, I pass.
Do you have any advice for current Alfred University students?
Take the time to build relationships with your professors. Don’t be afraid to attend office hours or stay after class to ask a question. I know some of my favorite conversations and some of the best advice has come from stopping in to see a professor during their downtime.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
I am an animal lover at heart, so if I am not at work, I am spending quality time with my horse Chap, dog Butters or two cats Stella and Otis. The ideal day would be a long cold morning at the barn with Chap followed by an afternoon nap with Butters and the cats.
What is something new you would like to learn?
I will be moving into a new house very shortly that has a greenhouse in the backyard. I am hoping to learn how to manage a small garden. I think I am going to start out with pumpkins, yellow squash, and cucumbers but even that intimidates me.
What do you appreciate about the Alfred campus and community?
I appreciate how welcoming and family-like the Alfred area is. I have never walked down the street without seeing someone smile, or even entered a store without hearing a hello. Sometimes, if I’m having a rough day and take a walk around town and people watch because I know the energy of everyone else will make it better.
Good luck with your finals! You’ve worked hard this semester and this is the home stretch.
AU Libraries are hosting extended hours in preparation for Final Exams (see schedule below). Starting Thursday, Dec. 2nd Herrick and Scholes Libraries will be offering free coffee, tea, and cocoa along with cookies to fuel your studying.
There are numerous reservable study rooms, group study areas, and walk-in spaces (no reservation required!) Rooms can be reserved here: https://alfred.libcal.com…
In addition, both Herrick and Scholes have 24-hour-access study spaces. These spaces are for AU students only, so show your AU ID at the front desk of Herrick or Scholes to obtain keycode access to these spaces.
Extended Library Hours for Final Exams 2021:
Scholes Library: Thursday, Dec. 2nd 8:00 am – 12:00 am Friday, Dec. 3rd 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday, Dec. 4th 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 5th 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm Monday, Dec. 6th 8:00 am – 12:00 am Tuesday, Dec. 7th 8:00 am – 12:00 am Wed., Dec. 8th 8:00 am – 12:00 am Thursday, Dec. 9th 8:00 am – 12:00 am Friday, Dec. 10th 8:00 am-4:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 11th Closed Sunday, Dec. 12th Closed
Herrick Memorial Library: Thursday, Dec. 2nd 8:00 am – 1:00 am Friday , Dec. 3rd 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Saturday, Dec. 4th 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 5th 2:00 pm – 1:00 am Monday, Dec. 6th 8:00 am – 1:00 am Tuesday, Dec. 7th 8:00 am – 1:00 am Wed., Dec. 8th 8:00 am – 1:00 am Thursday, Dec. 9th 8:00 am – 1:00 am Friday, Dec. 10th 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 11th Closed Sunday, Dec. 12th Closed
Alfred University Libraries welcomes Melina Sanchez as the Evening Reference Assistant in Scholes Library. As an AU Alum and a former Library Student Assistant herself, Melina is very familiar with the academic needs of college students. In the role of Evening Reference Assistant, she is responsible for library services, assisting students with their research questions and facilitating the use of Scholes Library as well as acting as a supervisor and job mentor to the student employees working evening shifts. Melina brings a strong commitment to customer service and student development to the role.
Q&A with Melina
Melina Sanchez
What was your background before Alfred University?
I graduated from Alfred University in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Writing. During my sophomore year, I began my journey as a student worker at Herrick Library and then was promoted as a student supervisor during my Senior Year. Currently, I work in the Social Work arena and as the Evening Reference Assistant in Scholes Library.
What interests you about your current position?
What interests me about my current position is being able to work with college students and help them grow in their college journey. Also, being a resource to the college campus and community.
Do you have any advice for current Alfred University students?
Don’t underestimate the seasons you go through; they prepare you for what’s ahead and always enjoy a good laugh.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy writing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
What is something new you would like to learn?
I would like to learn gardening and baking.
What do you appreciate about the Alfred campus and community?
I appreciate how welcoming the Alfred community and campus are and the different opportunities the town provides for individuals to grow.
Alfred University Libraries welcomes Maria Planansky to the position of Collection Management Librarian.
In this role, Maria will oversee acquisitions, cataloging, serials, donations, and electronic resources management across Samuel R. Scholes Library and Herrick Memorial Library and coordinate on State University of New York consortia-wide initiatives for collection management.
Maria will also work as the liaison to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the Sociology, Criminal Justice and Political Science programs.
What was your background before Alfred University?
For undergrad, I went to Beloit College, which is similar in a lot of ways to Alfred. Both are smaller schools very focused on experiential learning. At Beloit I studied Political Science and Philosophy and continued with that after graduation: I worked at a social science research organization for many years and later taught high school social studies and humanities. More recently, I earned a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Dominican University. While in school, I worked at Dominican University’s Crown Library and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago.
What interests you about your current position?
So much! The heart of the Collection Management Librarian role is making sure library resources serve students. That means ensuring that students are active participants when it comes to choosing what we include in our library collections.
What social media platforms do you use?
Instagram is my favorite, but Twitter is a close second. I’m not on TikTok, but this basset hound has me rethinking that decision.
Do you have a favorite research or tech tool?
I have favorite research advice.
Earlier this year, sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom wrote an essay on Dolly Parton, called The Dolly Moment. It is really, really good. A week or so after that essay was published, she wrote about her research approach: read around the subject. In McMillan Cottom’s words, “Reading around a subject is about going beyond the object of study to unpack, examine, or pick apart what the person or the object of study represents. That is usually where the good stuff is.”
For straight-up research tools, though, I use Primo’s citation generator. It makes everything so much easier! Citations can be tricky, and Alfred has a great Citation Help LibGuide that’s full of resources.
What are you reading or listening to?
Earlier this summer a friend recommended the novel Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters. It was fantastic! I’ve also been reading novels by Louise Erdrich, one of my favorite authors, and I’m pretty excited for Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You. This past weekend we had the Otis Redding and Carla Thomas album King & Queen on repeat. It was a good weekend.
Alfred University Libraries encouraged new students to explore Herrick Memorial Library and Samuel R. Scholes Library during Welcome Week Event.
A recent open house event Saturday, August 21st drew over 150 new and returning students. The open house featured a self-guided mini-golf “tour” of both Herrick Memorial Library and Samuel R. Scholes Library, free pinch pots and plants as well as an introduction to the Personal Librarian Program.
Putt-Putt Golf Library “Tour”
The putt-putt mini golf course took students through each floor of the building highlighting individual and group study spaces, the library “stacks”, the NYSCC and University Archives, and other key offices such as Information Technology Services (ITS) and The Center for Academic Success (CAS).
Ten participating students won a raffle for a free AU t-shirt from the Alfred University Bookstore.
Students manuver through putting obstacles in Herrick Library.
Putting through the stacks in Scholes Library.
Pinch Pots and Plants
Another big draw for students was the free pinch pots and plant cuttings. In the spring of 2020, the Clay Collective organized AU students to make pinch pots as a welcome gift to incoming students this fall semester. Students at the Welcome Week open house event chose one of these pinch pots as a new home for their plant cutting. The plant cuttings came from “mother plants” around Herrick and Scholes Libraries. They are started in used K-Cups from the libraries’ Keurig machine in an effort to reduce plastic waste.
(L) Pinch pots made by AU students for incoming students. Pinch Pot making organized by the Clay Collective. (R) Plant cuttings grown in K-Cups.
Students potting plant cuttings in Scholes (L) and Herrick (R)
Watch out for another opportunity to pick up your pinch pot…coming soon!
Personal Librarian Program
Students in Herrick Library learning about the Personal Librarian Program
As a part of the event, students met AU Librarians and learned about the Personal Librarian Program. All new students are assigned their very own Personal Librarian to be their initial contact for all their research needs as they start out at Alfred University.
The Personal Librarian Program is a great tool for making contact with the Libraries and learning about resources and services.
Here are some of the things that your Personal Librarian can do:
Assist you with your research by helping you choose a topic, articulate research questions, identify credible and reliable sources and formulate effective search strategies
Help you navigate the libraries’ print and online resources.
Answer your questions about library policies, procedures, and services.
Your Personal Librarian can also connect you to the right people on campus for computer issues, writing assistance, tutoring, and other support services.
For in-depth questions, it is recommended that you make an appointment ahead of time to ensure someone is available to assist you. Librarians are also available via phone or video conferencing such as Zoom. If there is anything research or library-related that you need, feel free to contact your Personal Librarian in person, by phone, or by email.
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.
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.
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.
