Alfred University Libraries’ team of staff and librarians is committed to supporting the University’s educational mission, teaching information literacy skills, and providing a safe and welcoming environment across our two facilities, Herrick Memorial Library and the Samuel R. Scholes Library of Ceramics. It is the AU Libraries’ goal to teach students how to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively. This is accomplished through course-related instruction, individualized research consultations, and subject-specific research guides.
The Alfred University Libraries’ website provides access to the library catalog, electronic journals and ebooks, specialized databases, and video streaming. The Alfred University Research and Archive (AURA) online repository collects, distributes, and preserves research and scholarship created by faculty, staff, and students, as well as documents of historical or archival significance. AU Libraries also provides interlibrary loan and document delivery services, making materials from outside our collection available. Through our association with SUNY, Alfred University Libraries are a part of a network of SUNY libraries across the state, greatly expanding access to print and electronic resources for all Alfred University researchers.
Personal Librarian Program
The Personal Librarian Program connects each student with a Librarian as their initial contact for all research needs. Librarians can help students find and evaluate sources, think critically about data and information, navigate the AU Libraries’ resources, and serve as a bridge to other on-campus support. Librarians are available for individual or group research appointments, and email or virtual assistance. Walk-in research questions are welcome anytime at the service desks, staffed by friendly, knowledgeable librarians, staff, and student workers.
Herrick Memorial Library
Herrick Memorial Library is committed to providing comprehensive, curriculum-centered collections, personal service, and multi-functional spaces that support the learning and instructional needs of our campus community. During the academic year, Herrick Library is open over 100 hours a week, with extended hours during final exam week. Also located within the Herrick Library building are the offices of the Center for Academic Success (CAS) and the Information Technology Services (ITS) HelpDesk.
Herrick Library Collections
Herrick Library provides access to over 100,000 periodical titles, over 500,000 e-books, and an extensive print book collection. Its collection also includes recreational books and movies. Other collections include the Openhym collection on British history, culture, and literature; the Confucius Institute Collection of Chinese history, culture, and language; the Juvenile Collection; and the McNaughton Collection of current bestsellers.
University Archives and Special Collections
The University Archives and Special Collections houses primary source materials that document the history of the University and the Village of Alfred, NY. The Archives Team works closely with faculty to integrate the collections into the classroom and actively digitizes materials to expand access. The Archives features an adjacent conference room with ornately decorated 16th-century historic English oak paneling. The University Archives and Special Collections are accessible to students, staff, faculty, and community researchers by appointment with the Archives Team.
Herrick Library Spaces
- Computer Lab
- Group study rooms
- Classroom
- Conference Room
- Seminar Room
- 24-hour study room and computer lab
- Saxon Station
- Book End Lounge
Scholes Library of Ceramics
The Samuel R. Scholes Library of Ceramics is a specialized research library providing academic support for the New York State College of Ceramics’ (NYSCC) 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. Scholes Library’s blended focus on the art and engineering disciplines specific to ceramics and glass creates a unique intersection of art and science.
Scholes Library Collections
The Scholes Library collections are internationally recognized as a resource for information on the art, science, history, and technology of ceramics and glass. Scholes Library also has outstanding holdings in advanced materials, photography, painting, sculpture, and electronic media. Resources include an extensive and specialized collection of books, media, and journals in print and electronic formats. Scholes’ Visual Resources collection includes thousands of digital images and over 170,000 slides.
Archives and Special Collections
The New York State College of Ceramics Archives preserves historical documents and photographs related to the College's history. This facility serves as a resource for scholars researching the history of American studio pottery, ceramic engineering, as well as the rich history of NYSCC and its notable faculty. The Archives are accessible to students, staff, faculty, and community researchers by appointment with the Archives Team.
The Special Collections Room houses rare and unique materials, including a collection of artists’ books and original theses, dissertations, and other work by faculty and 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.
Scholes Library Spaces
- Computer Lab
- Group and individual study rooms
- Classroom
- Conference Room
- Seminar Room
- 24-hour study room and computer lab
- Graduate Carrels
- Faculty Studies