Alfred University Libraries Begin Search for Next Dean of Libraries

The Alfred University Libraries seek an innovative leader to join a highly engaged team in the midst of a self-initiated reorganization. We are looking for someone with strong skills in advocacy, communication, and collaboration to lead us in achieving a shared vision. 
Founded in 1836, and nestled between the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes wine region in western New York State, Alfred University is a small comprehensive private university. It is situated on a sprawling 232-acre campus where nearly 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students reside in a vibrant, student-centered learning community. Outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant at our campus location, while our New York City area satellite instructional locations keep Alfred connected with an urban experience.
Alfred University houses the New York State College of Ceramics, a Statutory College of the State of New York, creating a unique public-private partnership. One result of this distinctive arrangement is that Alfred’s students, faculty, and staff are served by two libraries: The Samuel R. Scholes Library, which supports the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Design, and Herrick Memorial Library, which supports the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and AUNY (External Programs).

The Dean of Libraries is the chief administrative and budgetary officer of the University Libraries (Scholes and Herrick) and plays a key role in working with faculty, other deans, the Provost, and the President to advance the mission of the Libraries in conjunction with the mission of Alfred University. The Dean will provide strategic vision and be responsible for leading the strategic planning process to achieve that vision. The Dean will build on the current strengths of the Libraries while ensuring a solid foundation for their future. The duties of the Dean of Libraries include advocating for necessary resources including appropriate levels of staffing and adequate compensation, and representing the libraries to the greater campus, trustees, SUNY-system, and additional communities outside the University. Success in that mission will require understanding of and enthusiasm for the unique role of libraries in higher education and the ability to successfully convey this perspective to diverse audiences. The successful candidate will embrace new perspectives and have the ability to lead the library staff to identify and act on opportunities for collaboration and effective change. The Dean of Libraries will oversee the assessment of library services and their continuous improvement, which includes maintaining and reporting library statistics. The Dean ensures the delivery of quality library service to students in residence at Alfred University as well as to students in off-campus programs in New York City and Corning, NY, and provides creative leadership in identifying and highlighting the ways in which the University Libraries support campus wide retention goals.

Alfred University is a comprehensive university of 2,000 students, located in Western New York. Additional information is available here.
Send letter of interest, résumé or CV, and contact information for three professional references (address, phone number, and email) as one PDF document to humanresources@alfred.edu with Dean of Libraries in the subject line. Review of candidates will begin on January 28, 2019, and continue until the position is filled.
For more information and to apply, visit: the Dean Search LibGuide found here.

Stop by the Lego Table in Scholes Library

In the rush to finish final essays, papers, projects, prepare for critiques, presentations and exams the end of semester is a stressful time. Take a break from the hectic pace and give yourself a moment to relax and de-stress in a creative way at the Scholes Library Lego table.

Drop in during library hours to build a creation. Feel free to fill out a “show card” with the title of your work and credit to the artist (that would be you) and display it in our “Lego Gallery”.
The Lego table can be found in Scholes Library on the first floor and will be available now through finals week.
A recent study published in Art Therapy indicates that a creative activity can be great way to let go of stress.  To read more, go to the Herrick or Scholes home page, select the purple “Article” tab and enter the title, “Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making” in the search box.  You can also follow this link to the article.  If you are not on the Alfred University campus you will be prompted to log in with your ITS credentials.
Stop by and Lego your stress today!

 
 
 
 
 

Herrick Memorial Library Hosts Stress Relief Event

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 11th
Time: 8pm-10:30pm
In-person sign-ups start at 7:45pm
Cost: Free!
Where: Herrick Library BookEnd Lounge
 
 
 
Meet the adorable Cole Porter, registered therapy dog of Lisa Lantz.

Alfred University Libraries is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Marilyn Dueño to the position of Public Services Coordinator.

You may have noticed a new face around Scholes Library.  Marilyn Dueño has recently joined the Alfred University family as the newest member of the library team. In her new role, Marilyn will be managing the front desk and mentoring the student workers in Scholes Library. With her trademark smile and positive attitude Marilyn will enthusiastically uphold the high standards of customer service library patrons have come to expect.  She can occasionally be spotted at Herrick Memorial Library too, so please stop by the libraries and welcome Marilyn to the Alfred University community.

In the meantime, we asked Marilyn 11 questions because 10 is too predictable.

What was your background before Alfred University?  Prior to working at Scholes Library I was a teller at Serv-U Credit Union. Although I really enjoyed my interactions with the members, I missed my interactions with college students. I have always been a public service representative everywhere I go. Serving the public and putting their needs before mine.
 
What is your educational background?  I have an Associate degree in Financial Services and a  Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Alfred State College.
What is most interesting about your new position?  Working with the students, and being part of a community that puts student success first.
What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?  I hope to impact every student I come in contact with.
What are you most proud of?  One thing I am most proud of is paying off my student loans, and informing others how to do the same.
What advice would you give to students today?  Ask questions, use every resource available to you.
What software/web tools do you use regularly?  Google
Favorite social media platform:  Pinterest
What do you do to relax?  Depending on the day, I enjoy watching criminal investigation shows such as: Law and Order: Special Victims’ Unit, as well as medical drama shows such as: The Resident and The Good Doctor. If I have a day to myself I like to bake.
What is a skill or hobby you’d like to learn?  Target shooting
Is there anything about you that others would be surprised to know?  I know how to thread eyebrows; I thread my own eyebrows.

Alfred University Libraries joins schools around the country in celebration of University Press Week, November 12th-17th!

The University Press community amplifies voices, disciplines, and communities.
University presses around the country publish international and local authors writing on subjects that are broad, niche, and every level of inquiry in between. Without university presses, many of these authors or subjects would not be heard so clearly in the marketplace of ideas. [1]
SUNY Press
Since 1966 SUNY Press has published research, writing and scholarly work throughout the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
SUNY Press sponsors publications in the areas of African American studies, Asian studies, environmental studies, Indigenous studies, Italian American studies, Jewish studies, philosophy, political science, queer studies, religion, transpersonal psychology, and women’s studies.
Through its Excelsior Editions imprint, SUNY Press publishes works for an audience beyond academia with popular titles showcasing the history, diversity and natural beauty of the New York region. [2]
University Press Week
What is University Press Week? In the summer of 1978 President Jimmy Carter proclaimed a University Press Week “in recognition of the impact, both here and abroad, of American university presses on culture and scholarship.”

The importance of university press publishing continues today.  University Press Week highlights the extraordinary work of nonprofit scholarly publishers and their many contributions to culture, academia and an informed society at large. [3]
A foyer display in Scholes Library highlights a sampling of SUNY Press publications. Stop by and see what SUNY Press has contributed to the academic conversation.
Can you spot the names of any Alfred University professors in the display?
Sources:
[1] Association of University Presses 
[2] SUNY Press
[3] University Press Week
 

Get inspired by the NaNoWriMo Challenge!

What do New York Times Bestsellers Water for Elephants, Wool and Fangirl have in common?

They all began as a part of National Novel Writing Month’s 30 day challenge. 

Ever wanted to write a book? Take the NaNoWriMo challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in just one month. Time to dust off those story ideas and give yourself a deadline to get that novel finished!  National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) began in 1999 as an annual, Internet-based creative writing project. Participants can register at nanowrimo.org for support as they attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript between November 1 and November 30.
Sound crazy or exhilarating? No pressure if you aren’t ready to commit to an entire novel just yet.
Join other aspiring writers Friday, November 16th at 7pm in the BookEnd Cafe of Herrick Library for an evening of creative writing, discussion, and share your story! 

11.09.2018

Here’s an incomplete list of some of what Herrick and Scholes have to offer.

Articles you can’t just Google

The libraries subscribe to numerous databases which give you access to thousands of journal and magazine articles not freely available in a typical Google search.  Searching these databases instead of just Googling cuts downs on search time.  Also, the articles you’ll find are more likely to be reliable sources.  A librarian can help you evaluate your results to be sure.

Video Streaming

Alfred University Libraries subscribes to a video streaming service, Kanopy. It contains thousands of movies and documentaries.  Try it here:  Kanopy

Materials sent from aLL over the world

We don’t have what you need? Bet we know someone who does.  Since libraries love to share take advantage of a little library magic known as InterLibrary Loan, a.k.a ILL.  Our ILL specialists Patty Barber and Amanda Criss can search and obtain materials like books, articles and theses from all over the world. We’ve borrowed books from as far away as Australia. For details contact Patty in Scholes or Amanda in Herrick. Many patrons tell us the wish they’d found out about this sooner.

24-hour study rooms

Both Herrick and Scholes have designated 24 hours study areas with separate, secure entrances.  Each has PCs and a printer. Access is protected by keypad entry. Bring your AU ID card to the front desk to receive the access code.

Specialized Software

Need something specific to get your work done? We have SolidWorks, MATLAB, SciGlass, SPSS, Adobe PhotoShop and MSOffice just to name a few.  See library staff for a complete list of what’s available at Herrick and/or Scholes.

Specialized Librarians

Alfred University Libraries has a team of six Librarians ready to help you with papers, projects and other research assignments.  Whether it’s Art, English, Gerontology, Glass Science Engineering, Business, Planetary Science, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Global Studies or any of Alfred University’s 40 majors-or one you design yourself-we have a Librarian who specializes in your area.   All the Librarians are happy to help you anytime, but to connect with your “Personal Librarian” click here.

Answers!

This isn’t quite the same as the last one. Everyone who works in the libraries-from our student workers at the front desk to the Dean, Director or the Archivists (we have Archivists!) love to help out. That’s pretty much the number one reason people work in libraries. We all love questions-whatever you’re working on is more interesting than whatever we were doing so please interrupt us! So if you need directions to the Equestrian Center, help locating a book, or just don’t know where the bathroom is we’re here to help.

Books

We snuck it in anyway because the books are still so good! From New York Times Best Sellers to 17th century leather bound multi-volume tomes we have tens of thousands of books. We love helping people find just the right one. Some are red, some are blue, some are old and some are new. Some are thin, some are fat. The fat one has a yellow hat. (Okay, maybe not that last part.)
 

Full-time and Part-time Professional Positions Available

The Alfred University Libraries are pleased to announce several position openings.  A library career is enjoyable, challenging and fulfilling all at the same time.  The daily tasks of all our library positions are centered around providing excellent service to students, faculty and staff.  Alfred University Libraries is comprised of the enthusiastic and dynamic teams at Herrick Memorial Library and Samuel R. Scholes Library.  We are looking for teammates for the following positions:
Technical Services Assistant: https://alfred.edu/jobs-at-alfred/viewpost.cfm?ID=6378
Public Services Coordinator: https://alfred.edu/jobs-at-alfred/viewpost.cfm?ID=6377

New at Scholes Library: Samantha Dannick — Engineering and Scholarly Communication Librarian
Something Old and Something New
The role of Engineering Librarian is well established at Alfred University. I’m here to support the students, faculty, and staff of the Inamori School of Engineering in their research endeavors and academic lives here at Alfred University. I can help you find, evaluate, and use information and resources (engineering-related or not). I can help you frame your research question or work through how to approach a project. I can help you whether you’re a first-year figuring out the college library and college-level expectations or a PhD student working on your thesis. The bottom line is: I’m an information professional, and I’m here to work and collaborate with the Alfred University community.
 
The role of Scholarly Communication Librarian is new to Alfred University. I’m here to support the entire Alfred University scholarly community in navigating the world of academic publishing and the frontiers of open access. I’ll keep us moving forward in implementing and developing open educational resources (OER). I’ll be working on making Alfred’s institutional repository, AURA, a home for and a showcase of faculty scholarship. When you’re ready to publish (or at least starting to think about it), I hope you’ll talk to me.
 
You’ve probably heard that Alfred University Libraries are going through some restructuring; Herrick and Scholes will still be Herrick and Scholes, but they’ll both be under the umbrella of Alfred University Libraries. We’re one great University with two great libraries. It’s an interesting time to come on board, and I’m excited to be here.
Samantha Dannick — Engineering and Scholarly Communication Librarian
 
 

The Encounter Group by Louis Mendez displayed in Scholes Library

 
New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University recently acquired The Encounter Group a sculpture by artist and alum Louis Mendez (BFA ’52, MFA ’54).  The hand-built, pit-fired sculpture was donated by Mendez’s wife Dianne-an avid supporter of the School of Art and Design.  Mendez passed away in 2012, making its installation in the Samuel R. Scholes Library of Ceramics a fitting tribute to his legacy as an influential ceramic sculptor.
Mendez is remembered by his students as an engaging teacher, holding positions at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, the Philadelphia College of Art, and the Ohio State University in Columbus, where he was an Associate Professor of Art and Chairman of the Graduate Faculty in the Ceramics Department.[1]
“In his quest to capture the remnant vitality of ancient images and to interpret these forms in a highly personal idiom, he created a body of work at once decorative, evocative, and original.” [2]
The Encounter Group, made in 1989, is a fine example of his iconic body of work-“largely figurative ceramic sculpture inspired by a consistent esthetic allied to both the ancient origins of cultures and a modernist treatment of forms and surfaces.”
“Mendez is well known for his signature ‘Spanish Hand-Building Technique,’ using highly textured slabs, whose surface designs are suggestive of archetypal images that tend to recur across many ancient cultures.  The technique contributed materially to the transformation of ceramics from ‘craft’ to ‘art form’, allowing the construction and firing of works in clay without the use of an armature.”[3]
The piece is available for public viewing on the main floor of the Samuel R. Scholes Library located at the New York State College at Alfred University, 2 Pine Street Alfred, NY 14803
For current Library hours see our website: https://scholes.alfred.edu/
 
[1]http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?n=louis-mendez&pid=158979369
[2] https://www.louismendez.com/about-louis-mendez.html
[3] ibid