Alfred University is hosting an event in observance of September as International Color Blindness Awareness Month, in which it will give away four pairs of EnChroma glasses designed to help people with color blindness. EnChroma, the Berkeley, CA, company co-founded by Alfred University alumnus Don McPherson ’84 M.S., ’88 PhD, donated the glasses to the University.
People can register for the free drawings—hosted by Alfred University Libraries—beginning the first week of October, including Family Weekend/Homecoming, scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Oct. 6-8.
There are several ways to enter to win a pair of the glasses.
Comparison of colorblind and color
Free chances to win one of the pairs of glasses can be submitted at Herrick Memorial Library and Samuel R. Scholes Library—from Wednesday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 8, during the hours of operation listed below—where interactive EnChroma displays will provide information on color blindness and how the glasses were developed. Anyone who visits the display—students and their families, staff, faculty, alumni, local community members—can enter to win. Entrants do not have to be present at the time of the drawing and winners will be notified by Monday, Oct. 9. Out of town winners can receive their glasses by mail.
A second drawing will be held during the 2 p.m. home football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Yunevich Stadium. A table will be set up near Connors Family Pavilion and spectators can enter for the drawing beginning at 1 p.m. The drawing will be held at halftime to allow the winner to claim their prize during the game.
Two final two pairs of glasses will be given away based on the results of a judged essay contests. Entrants will be asked to submit a brief essay of 150 words or less describing how obtaining a pair of the glasses would change their lives. Those entries can be submitted via this Microsoft form today through Sunday, Oct. 8. The entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winners announced on Monday, Oct. 16.
Student tries on EnChroma glasses in Scholes Library
Also during Family Weekend, during hours listed below, visitors can try on one of the pairs from the libraries’ circulating collection of EnChroma glasses. Herrick and Scholes libraries each have 10 pairs of the glasses, which can be checked out and borrowed for up to seven days.
Following are the hours of operation of Herrick and Scholes libraries during Homecoming/Family Weekend:
EnChroma was co-founded in 2010 by Don McPherson, a co-inventor of the EnChroma lens technology. McPherson, who earned master’s and doctoral degrees in glass science engineering from Alfred University, serves as EnChroma’s chief science officer.
Faculty are invited to place course materials on Reserve at Alfred University Libraries.
What are Course Reserves?
The Library’s Course Reserves Service allows instructors to set aside books, DVDs, or other materials related to a current course for in-library use.
Reserve lists typically include required and recommended reading for a course but can include other items.
Items will remain on reserve for the semester while the course is running.
Student checks out reserve items at Scholes Library
Why place items on Course Reserve in the Libraries?
This service allows students to share materials and can improve access to items that may be expensive or hard to obtain.
Students have expressed appreciation for having required reading on reserve as this can create substantial cost savings for them.
What can be placed on Course Reserve in the Libraries?
Library materials such as books, DVDs, or other media.
Instructor-owned materials. (Items are returned at the end of the semester/year)
Non-traditional items like shared equipment or small supplies needed for a course and which are a good match for storing in a library. Previous examples have included plug-and-play keyboards, specialized calculators, and small tool kits for group projects.
How do I 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 your own materials.
Ask at the service desk for a Reserve Request form and complete the item and course information.
Plan to allow at least 3 business days for processing before the items will be available to students.
Online
For library-owned materials only.
Email herricklibrary@alfred.edu or scholeslib@alfred.edu with reserve requests for the respective location where you would like the item(s) available.
Your email should include:
Name of the course
Course number and section number
Permalinks to the library items through our online catalog, Primo. Use the search box on our homepage to get started. https://libraries.alfred.edu/
A screenshot of where to find the permalink on an item record is below.
Plan to allow at least 3 business days for processing before the items will be available to students.
Do you have an Electronic Reserve Service?
For information on linking library materials in Canvas contact your liaison librarian or email libraries@alfred.edu
For information on textbook alternatives like Open Education Resources (OER) email Scholarly Communications Librarian, Samantha Dannick at dannick@alfred.edu
Herrick Memorial Library and Samuel R. Scholes Library are open throughout the summer and are ready to support your research needs as well as summer recreational reading.
Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Library Services continue during the summer! Examples include:
Spaces: -Library spaces for studying, meetings, class visits or events. To make a reservation go to our homepage at: libraries.alfred and select “Reserve a Room” under “Quick Links.”
-24-hour study rooms for AU Students or employees in both Herrick and Scholes Libraries. Please show your AU ID at the front desk of Herrick or Scholes to receive an access code.
-One-on-one or group tours of library spaces and resources. Please email libraries@alfred.edu to schedule a tour or orientation.
Research and Instruction: -Appointments with Librarians for research support via Zoom, chat, email, phone or in-person.
-Research in Archives and Special Collections, by appointment.
-Librarian classroom instruction during summer courses (Zoom or in-person).
Resources: -Library materials and resources including online databases, print materials, DVDs, and streaming media via Kanopy and AVON. Email libraries@alfred.edu with questions.
-Interlibrary Loan
-Summer Reading titles for research or pleasure! The McNaughton Collection in Herrick features many popular new titles (fiction and non-fiction) on display in the Commons area on the main floor. Scholes regularly acquires and displays new titles in the foyer by the entrance. Stop by and a see what you can find!
-All AU Faculty, staff and students automatically have library accounts and do not need a separate library card.
-Community members are welcome to use Herrick and Scholes and can complete a short library card application.
AU Libraries was pleased to award recoginition to six outstanding students at Honors Convocation.
The ceremony was held Friday April 21st, 2023 in Miller Theater. The awards were presented by the Dean of each recipiant’s school or college with President Mark Zupan and Dean of Libraries Brian Sullivan on hand to congratulate the honorees. The AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher and Community Impact Awards were newly created this year and the Libraries are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our students.
The AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award was given to two students: Paul Boldin and Rose Schreiber-Stainthorp. This award recognizes student researchers at the undergraduate and 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, which utilizes AU Libraries collections, resources, and services.
Paul was nominated by Abby Hurley, Coordinator of the Judson Leadership Center. Abby noted Paul’s excellent work on his Women’s Leadership Academy capstone project this semester, “His goal is to create an all-inclusive list and collection of the best resources for projects on topics of feminism, historical movements, and social issues.
Meghen Jones, in her nomination of Rose, cited a successful essay that was presented after the ceramics history seminar at the College Art Association conference. “The bibliography was well selected for this original research project on an artist’s work that has not until now been the subject of scholarly research. The essay analyzes contemporary ceramic artist Bri Murphy’s 3D printed ceramic bust of Washington in terms of historical memory and racism.”
The AU Libraries Community Impact Award was given to Zac Laury and Adeye Jean-Baptiste. 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 and positive impacts as the results 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.
Zac’s nomination by Abby Hurley noted their Women’s Leadership Academy capstone project this semester. “Zac’s entire project is focused on shedding light on the stories of our community with the intent of helping us move forward and improve – something we cannot do without acknowledging the error of our ways or the problems in our community. Their idea is to help Alfred grow into the diverse and inclusive community it claims to be and to hold us accountable to our claims, specifically AU.”
Lauren Lake nominated Adeye Jean-Baptiste, and noted her ambition and resourceful pursuit of her art practice with research, passion, and sincerity. Adeye proposed an idea to increase visibility for black glass artists. Her proposal was to create a visiting artist series/residency entitled “Black Glass Artist Series” (BGAS) which launched a new residency program in the month February (2022 & 2023) to provide visibility for emerging artists at Alfred University’s School of Art & Design Glass Program. She led everyone through the campus experience during the residencies and organized an exhibit their work in our Inclusion, Diversity Equity and Access Lab. Her program led to the university’s first VLOG (video log) series as well as industrial sponsorship from Olympic Glass.
The June Brown Award for Excellence in Library Service was created to honor June E. Brown, University Librarian Emerita. June Brown was a vital presence at Herrick Memorial Library for over two decades. She heightened campus awareness of the importance of libraries and expanded service to the Alfred University community. The award is given to seniors who have worked for the Alfred University Libraries at either Samuel R. Scholes Library of Ceramics or Herrick Memorial Library for at least two years, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have demonstrated exceptional performance and a commitment to the ideals June exemplified.
This year’s awards went to Lilly Winning and Knox VanRenselaar. Lilly Winning, nominated by Laura Habecker was an outstanding student worker at Scholes Library providing exemplary customer service at the main service desk and taking on additional projects in the College of Ceramics Archives.
Knox VanRenselaar, nominated by Haleigh Mikolajczyk, was honored for their exceptional performance as a library student employee and their instrumental role in establishing satellite food pantries in Herrick and Scholes Libraries, combating the issue of food insecurity in campus.
The Alfred University Libraries seek a forward-thinking and collaborative Public Services Librarian to join a highly engaged team. We are looking for someone with a strong focus on customer service and a commitment to incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices, particularly anti-racism and anti-oppression, into their librarianship. This position provides opportunities to mentor undergraduate students through our student assistant program and an opportunity to support the campus community through library services.
The Public Services Librarian is a 10-month, tenure-track faculty position reporting to the Dean of Libraries. This librarian will provide leadership, vision, and oversight for Public Services at two campus library locations, Herrick Memorial Library and Samuel R. Scholes Library. This librarian will be responsible for planning and managing all public facing operations including circulation, reserves, service desk operations, and reference and is responsible for developing and encouraging a positive, engaging, and user-centered approach. This librarian will lead the Alfred University Libraries Public Services Team, consisting of staff from the two libraries and 60+ library student assistants. This position also works with the Director of Libraries to lead Library outreach, events, and user experience efforts, as well as collecting and reporting library usage statistics. This position will be assigned subject-based liaison areas according to interest and/or expertise, and will participate in reference, instruction, and the University Libraries’ Personal Librarian Program.
Herrick Memorial LibrarySamuel R. Scholes Library
Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or equivalent international Master’s degree in Library Science/Information Studies.
Successful supervisory experience.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly anti-racism and anti-oppression, in libraries and higher education.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working in Circulation, Public Services, or Reference Services in an academic library.
Strong customer service orientation, excellent oral and written communication, and outstanding supervisory skills.
Ability to effectively manage staff across two locations.
Experience using Alma/Primo and Springshare software.
Job Responsibilities
Public Services
Provide leadership, vision, and oversight of Library Public Services, developing and encouraging a positive, engaging, and user-centered approach, with a strong focus on customer service, accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
Guide the AU Libraries Public Services Team with a hands-on relational approach, overseeing, coordinating, developing, supervising, implementing, and evaluating circulation, service desks, course reserves, stacks maintenance, and the fulfillment components of the Library Services Platform (Alma).
Lead the provision of “concierge” services to all patrons.
Actively partner on or lead Outreach, Events, and User Experience efforts, in collaboration with the Director, including promotional materials, the blog, relevant aspects of the websites, and social media tools.
Hire, supervise, train, develop, and evaluate Public Services Coordinators and other staff members, in collaboration with Library Administrative team.
Lead Public Services Coordinators in hiring, scheduling, training, and supervising approximately 65 student workers across two libraries.
Guide the ongoing improvement of the Public Services Student Library Assistant role, including the development and assessment of learning outcomes, with an eye towards mentoring for success and transferrable job skills.
Ensure buildings are staffed for 90+hours a week. Work collaboratively with the Director to determine library hours and schedules. Assist the Public Services Coordinators in scheduling of services points.
Collaborate with the Director to ensure that library spaces meet patron needs by being clean, safe, inviting, accessible, and functional. Work together to resolve all building and maintenance issues.
Manage the development and updating of Public Services Team policies, procedures, and manuals.
Oversee gathering, reporting, and analysis of Public Services statistics and other data.
Work with the Systems Team to ensure efficient function of public computers, copiers, scanners, and printers. Work collaboratively to resolve system-wide and ongoing problems and to plan for future equipment needs.
Direct Public Services Coordinators in the financial transactions of billings for lost or damaged library materials.
In partnership with the Director, coordinate guides, signage, technical assistance, and other front-line patron support.
Liaise with other Library Teams on relevant workflows and tasks.
Reference Services
Guide strategic vision for reference services, ensuring Libraries’ research assistance remains central, innovative, and in tune with ever-evolving patron needs.
Coordinate the scheduling of librarians and part-time assistants at the reference desk and for on-call and virtual reference services (LibChat).
Participate in virtual and in-person reference services, including evenings and weekends (as needed).
Oversee gathering of reference statistics via LibInsight.
Lead reference assessment and reporting as a member of the AU Libraries Assessment Working Group.
Librarianship
Engage in professional development, scholarship and service, in accordance with University standards for promotion and tenure.
Maintain active involvement in the library profession and contribute to the advancement of information science and practice through scholarly work.
Serve on the Libraries’ Information Literacy Team, and design, teach, and assess course integrated information literacy instruction sessions.
Lead as liaison to assigned content area(s), based on interest and/or expertise, providing research assistance and outreach.
Participate in AU Libraries’ Personal Librarian program.
Serve on the Libraries’ Scholarly Communication Team.
Serve on Library, College, and University committees.
Assist in the formulation of Library policies, and contribute to the development of Library services responsive to the needs of the campus curriculum and users.
Actively participate in library planning initiatives.
Other Duties:
This position will involve travel for professional development and training.
Commitment to support the Libraries’ values of free and open pursuit of knowledge; support for intellectual and cultural diversity; innovation, collaboration, and creativity; excellent service; and effective communication.
Safety: Participate in safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
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 (alfred.edu) is a small comprehensive private university. It is situated on a sprawling 232-acre campus where nearly 2,000 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 Art and Design, and Herrick Memorial Library, which supports the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies/AUNY (External Programs).
Application Process:
Review of candidates will begin on May 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
Founded in 1836 and nestled between the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes wine region of western New York State, Alfred University (alfred.edu) is a small comprehensive private university. The second oldest co-educational college in the United States the campus is situated on 232 beautiful, hilly and wooded acres where nearly 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students reside in a vibrant, student-centered learning community.
Alfred University is also home to 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 Art and Design, and Herrick Memorial Library, which supports the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies/AUNY (External Programs).
Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
Alfred University Libraries will host the last Team Trivia Night of the semester Saturday, April 15th from 8 to 10 p.m. in Herrick’s Bookend Lounge.
Returning as host of Team Trivia Night is DJ 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.
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.
Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior Winners Knox VanRenselaar and Owen Nelson
Congratulations to Knox VanRenselaar for being named 2023 Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior! VanRenselaar worked at Scholes Library for more than three years, first as circulation desk assistant, then as a circulation desk student supervisor.
Congratulations as well to fellow award winner, Owen Nelson.
While working at Scholes Library VanRenselaar spearheaded the initiative to create two satellite food pantries in Herrick and Scholes Library increasing the reach of the primary food pantry location in the Judson leadership Center.
From Amsterdam, NY, VanRenselaar is a double major who earned bachelor’s degrees in history and theater in December 2022. They are pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy and social policy from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Read the full AU press release about Knox and Owen and their amazing accomplishments!
Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees!
The AU Libraries would also like to extend thanks to Marlin Miller for providing this generous honor to Alfred University students and to the selection committee for your contribution to this award.
AU Libraries are pleased to announce a new way to ask questions and engage with librarians and staff…LibChat!
LibChat is a chat reference widget embedded on the libraries.alfred.edu website.
If you see this box pop up on the AU Libraries website, it’s not an AI bot-there’s a live human on the other side ready to assist you. Librarians and staff will be online to monitor the chat Mondays-Fridays between 9:15am and 4:15pm (minus a noon hour lunch break for the humans). We are happy to assist you with everything from quick questions or in-depth research.
If you see the small chat icon in the corner, you can also start a chat this way. If there is no one online at the time your message will be saved, and we’ll get back to you soon.
The Alfred University Libraries are pleased to announce the AU Libraries Community Impact Award, the second of our two new awards to honor our exceptional students.
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 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.
Student award winners receive $150, a certificate, and recognition for their outstanding efforts at Honors Convocation.
Questions about eligibility or criteria may be sent to libraries@alfred.edu.
The Alfred University Libraries are pleased to accept nominations from AU Faculty and staff for the AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award to be given at this year’s Honors Convocation.
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 10th.
AU Libraries Outstanding Researcher Award This award recognizes student researchers at the undergraduate and 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, which utilizes AU Libraries collections, resources, and services.
