AU Joins SUNY-Wide Roll Out of New Search Interface, Primo

The AU Libraries have migrated to a new search interface called Primo, which will improve library services to the campus. The Library staff will also be using a corresponding new platform, called Alma, which manages all of the libraries’ back-office functions, including circulation, the acquisition and cataloging of print and electronic resources, and resource sharing within SUNY.
Alma/Primo offers library users with several new features, including:

• Mobile-friendly design
• An integrated search of physical and print materials at both Scholes and Herrick (videos, articles, books, databases, etc.)
• Ability to login to your account and renew materials from your home or office.
• Ability to save favorite searches or articles as well as manage personal accounts for renewals and other circulation functions
• Ability to search across the collections of all SUNY Libraries (and beyond) with links to request materials for inter-library loan
• Ability to return AU Library materials to either Herrick or Scholes

The library staff have been working over the last year to prepare for this transition and ensure only minimal disruptions to our patrons. This transition brings exciting changes, so we appreciate your patience as we expand and improve our services. We are aware of some issues with Primo and are working with SUNY and the vendor, Ex Libris, to improve performance.
If you have any questions, please contact us. If you would like to a walk-through regarding Primo and its new features or if you need to report a problem, please don’t hesitate to contact the libraries directly at libraries@alfred.edu or 607-871-2184 (Herrick) or 607-871-2492 (Scholes).

The Alfred University Libraries are pleased to announce that Mechele Romanchock is the new Director of Libraries.

In this role, Mechele will be responsible for managing the internal day-to-day operations of the University Libraries, working alongside Brian Sullivan, Dean of Libraries, to lead our talented and dedicated group of staff and librarians at Herrick and Scholes.
Mechele has served as the User Services Librarian at Scholes Library since 2016. Prior to that, she worked in a variety of academic, school, and public libraries, bringing a rich user experience, customer service, and leadership background to this position.
Mechele obtained an M.S. in Library Science from Clarion University in 2010, and is an Alfred alumna who earned a B.A. in Comparative Cultures in 2002.
Mechele will be sharing her time between our two libraries. She can be found either in Scholes 114 or Herrick 110, or contacted at romanchockm@alfred.edu.
Please join us in congratulating Mechele on her new role!

Alfred University Libraries will be open the following hours for Summer 2019:

Herrick Library

Scholes Library

Both Libraries will be Closed:

Thursday, July 4 / Independence Day

ALFRED, NY — 18 students were recently inducted into the Alfred University chapter of the honor society Phi Kappa Phi.
The ceremony,  held Tuesday, April 2, was presided over by chapter President Stephen Crandall, dean emeritus of libraries at Alfred University.  He was assisted by Chapter Treasurer Brian Sullivan, interim director of Alfred University Libraries. Herrick Library staffer Natalie Skwarek, assisted with many important behind the scenes preparations.
Herrick Library student workers inducted include juniors Gabrielle A. Griffin of Sterling, NY  and Amanda Meehan of Whitesville, NY.

A complete list of students inducted this year can be found here.
Congratulations to everyone!

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and promotes academic excellence in all fields of higher education. The Greek letters of Phi Kappa Phi stand for the society’s motto, “Philosophia Krateito Photon,” which is freely translated, “Let the Love of Wisdom Rule Humanity.”
The Alfred University chapter was established in 1970. In its annual initiation ceremony, held in the Herrick Library Bookend Lounge, the chapter honored the academic accomplishments of its newly inducted members.
Pictured in the photo above are newly inducted members of the Alfred University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi: (front from left) Kayleah Aldrich, Megan Alper, Heidi Boettcher, Lauren Germain, Zachary Plesmid; and (back from left) Samantha Kotze, Lyndsey McCoy, Holly Passetti, Sarah Raeman, Aidan Saccucci-Bryan, Natalie Turco, Benjamin Yonko and Gabrielle Griffin. Missing from photo are Charles A. McAllister Jr., Amanda Meehan, Angelica Sudore, Nathaniel Skeele and Zachary Goodwin.

Libraries Answer Call of Local Furry Friends

Are you an animal lover looking to make a difference for animals in need? The Alfred University Libraries are hosting a Pet Supply Drive benefiting the SPCA Serving Allegany County!

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are all encouraged to participate! Supplies may be dropped off at Herrick and Scholes Libraries from Monday, April 15th through Monday, April 29th. (See list of supplies needed below.)
Any questions? Please contact Natalie Skwarek at skwarek@alfred.edu or (607) 871-2792. On behalf of all of our animal friends, thank you!
Wish list items include (but are not limited to):
dry and wet kitten and cat food
dry dog food
(the animals are used to Purina brand cat chow or kitten chow or 4Health brand
available at Tractor supply.)
rodent food and bedding
cat and dog treats
cat and dog toys
catnip
wood pellets used for kitty litter
animal brushes
dog collars and leashes
towels and washcloths
paper towels
bleach
dish soap
liquid laundry soap
13 & 39 gallon trash bags
office supplies

Open Forum presentations to the campus will take place on the dates and times below.  Each forum will take place in the Kenyon/Allen room of the Powell Campus Center.
Additional announcements will be made in Alfred Today prior to each session.
Should you have any questions regarding the candidates and their presentation, please contact Ellen Bahr at bahr@alfred.edu  

Forum Schedule

Thursday, March 28, 11 am – 11:45 am
Monday, April 1, 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Thursday, April 4, 9:30 am – 10:15 am

The New Front Desks Are Coming!

The vision board will become a reality on March 7th and 8th, 2019 as professional  installers from Stevens Office Interiors of Syracuse, NY arrive to complete phase II of the Scholes Library entryway renovation project.
This project has been a collaboration between Alfred University Libraries, Jamie Babcock and the entire Facilities crew and the Procurement department.
The Scholes Library front desk will be temporarily relocated in the Commons area on the first floor.  The library will remain open during construction of the new desks, hours and service will not be affected.
Despite the temporary increase in activity and work noise on the first floor there will still be plenty of quiet spots in the library to study for midterms.
Come by and watch the progress!
 
 

Come on down to Scholes Library and check out our brand-new group study room!

Guest Blogger, Scholes Library Student Worker Haleigh Youll
Located on the 3rd floor (307), this room has plenty of tables and chairs and a rolling whiteboard making this room conducive for group collaboration or study sessions.  Another great feature of room 307 is that it can be reserved ahead of time.  Please contact one of the following people to make a room reservation:
Deborah Rollins rollinsd@alfred.edu
Mechele Romanchock  romanchockm@alfred.edu
John Hosford  hosford@alfred.edu
Rooms are reserved on a first come first serve basis.
This room is a perfect place to have group study sessions with all of your friends.
                          Photo: Haleigh Youll
 
It can also be reserved for club events, like this recent Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Study session.
Photo Credit: Ashlee Wilmier
Room availability can be found here.

Stop in for some free food, friendly faces and learn what the libraries have to offer…

Come learn how you can save yourself time and effort by connecting with Alfred University library staff and resources.  Librarians, staff and student employees from both Herrick and Scholes will be on hand to show you what’s available and share some tips. Need space for a study group, club meeting or quiet spot for just you? Tours of Scholes Library will be available during this drop-in event.
Students, faculty and staff welcome.
Thursday, February 28th,
Scholes Library 4:00-6:00pm
Free Food!