The librarians and staff are committed to supporting the University’s educational mission and to promoting information literacy skills as well as a safe and welcoming environment. It is the Libraries’ goal to teach students how to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. This is accomplished through course-related and individualized instruction, as well as by providing research guides for specific subject areas.
The Libraries’ website provides round-the-clock access to the library catalog, electronic journals and books, specialized databases, video streaming, and other resources selected by our librarians to support student and faculty research. The website is a portal through which students can ask questions via email, chat or be connected to a librarian. Walk-in research questions are welcome at the service desks staffed by friendly and knowledgeable librarians, staff, and student workers.
The Personal Librarian Program connects all new students with their very own Personal Librarian to be their initial contact for all their research needs. In addition to assisting with research, Personal Librarians can help students navigate the Libraries’ resources, answer questions about the libraries, and connect students with the right people on campus for other forms of support.
The Alfred Libraries also provide interlibrary loan and document delivery services, which provide access to materials from other libraries. Through our association with SUNY, both Alfred University Libraries are a part of the network of SUNY libraries across the state to form a single multi-campus “virtual library,” greatly expanding access to print and electronic resources for all Alfred University students.
Herrick Memorial Library
Herrick Memorial Library is committed to providing curriculum-centered collections, personal service, and multi-functional spaces that support the learning and instructional needs of our campus community. Built in 1957 and renovated in 2007, it provides space for group study, supported by appropriate technologies, in its learning commons. There is space for recreation or discussion in the BookEnd Lounge, where new journals, books, and newspapers can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee. During the academic year the library is open over 100 hours a week, with extended hours during final exam week. Also located within Herrick Library are the offices of the Center for Academic Success (CAS) and the Information Technology Services (ITS) HelpDesk.
Collections
Herrick provides access to over 100,000 periodical titles and over 500,000 e-books as well as an extensive print book collection. Its collection also contains recreational collections of books and movies. Some highlights include the Openhym collection of 10,000 items related to British history, culture, and literature, the Confucius Institute Collection, Juvenile Collection, and the McNaughton Collection of current bestsellers.
Study Spaces
Wireless access is available throughout the building.
- An all-night study room is available for use after the library closes, providing study space and a computer lab 24/7.
- Group study rooms and individual workspaces are also available, accommodating a wide variety of study preferences.
- Saxon Station is a great collaborative or solo workspace with a PC and booth-style seating with large tables.
Classroom and Presentation Spaces
- Computer lab equipped for hybrid instruction, creative collaboration or for classwork.
- Seminar room, which is excellent for meetings or film screenings.
University Archives
Special Collections and the University Archives offer collections and services in a secure, climate-controlled environment. The area features an ornately decorated conference room with historic English oak paneling. The Archives provides primary source materials which document the history of the University, works closely with faculty to integrate the collections into the classroom, and actively digitizes material to expand access to the collections online.
Scholes Library
The Samuel R. Scholes Library of Ceramics, established in 1947, is a special library providing academic support for the University’s programs in art and engineering. During the academic year the library is open approximately 100 hours per week, with extended hours during final exam week. In addition to providing reference assistance, the librarians offer instruction sessions tailored to the needs of art and engineering students, as well as one-on-one consultation appointments. Scholes Library’s physical facilities are designed to provide outstanding information services and support to students, faculty, and community researchers.
Collections
The Scholes Library collections are internationally recognized as a resource for information on the art, science, technology, and history of ceramics and glass. The library also has outstanding holdings in the areas of advanced materials, photography, art history, contemporary art, electronic media, interactive graphic design, glass art, and sculpture. Resources include an extensive and specialized collection of books, media, and journal titles in print and electronic formats. Scholes’ Visual Resources collection includes thousands of digital images and 170,000 slides. Scholes Library is fully engaged in image digitization efforts that support and enhance classroom instruction.
Study and Group Spaces
There are computer workstations throughout the building including computers with specialized engineering and design software. Wireless access is available throughout the building.
- Multiple study rooms for individual or small group use, some of which can be reserved.
- A large group study room which can be reserved by students for group study sessions.
- Graduate carrels and faculty studies.
Classroom/Presentation Spaces
- Two classroom spaces equipped for hybrid instruction with the ability to share slides and audio in-person and via videoconferencing.
- Computer lab for instruction, creative collaboration, or for classwork utilizing the Adobe Suite software.
- Seminar room, which is excellent for meetings or film screenings.
Archives and Special Collections
The College Archives preserve historical documents and photographs relating to the history of the College. This facility serves as a resource for scholars researching the history of American ceramic art and science as well as the rich history of the college and its notable faculty. The Archives are accessible to student and faculty researchers by appointment with the archives staff who are happy to support their research.
The Special Collections Room houses rare and unique materials, including a collection of artists’ books and original theses and dissertations by graduates of the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. The Special Collections are accessible to student and faculty researchers by appointment, or on a walk-in basis when a librarian is on duty.