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September 2024: Home

WELCOME BACK

A New Chapter Begins!

 

As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air settles in, the library at SUNY Schenectady eagerly opens its doors to welcome students, faculty, and staff back for the fall semester. Whether you're a returning member of our community or a new face finding your way, we are thrilled to have you here.

 

This semester promises to be one filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and connection. Our library is more than just a place to study or check out books; it's a vibrant hub for collaboration, creativity, and support. We’ve spent the summer preparing new resources, refreshing our collections, and enhancing our spaces to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.

 

For students, whether you're tackling your first research paper or diving deep into a challenging subject, our team of knowledgeable librarians is here to assist you every step of the way. We offer personalized research consultations, available both in person and online; and a welcoming environment to help you focus and thrive.

 

Faculty members, we're excited to partner with you to enhance your courses with tailored library resources, course reserves, and instructional support. Our goal is to work together to inspire and equip your students for academic success.

 

And to all staff, we invite you to explore our resources for professional development, leisure reading, or simply finding a peaceful spot to recharge during your busy day.

 

As we embark on this new semester, we’re reminded that the library is more than just a collection of books; it’s a community. We’re here to support you, celebrate your achievements, and help you navigate your academic journey. Let’s make this fall a season of learning, exploration, and success.

 

Welcome back, and let’s turn the page to a fantastic new chapter together!

Sincerely,

The Begley Library Team

WHAT DO LIBRARIANS DO, ANYWAY?

Behind the Shelves: What Your College Librarians Do

When you think of a librarian, the image of someone checking out books or shushing a noisy group might come to mind. However, at Begley Library, our librarians are much more than gatekeepers of quiet spaces and book collections—they are essential partners in your academic journey.

Guiding Your Research

One of the primary roles of our librarians is to assist students, faculty, and staff with research. Whether you're starting a paper, need help narrowing down a topic, or are looking for the best sources, our librarians are here to help. They offer personalized research consultations and online research assistance, helping you navigate the vast array of databases, journals, and books available to you. With their expertise, you can find the most relevant and credible information for your projects.

Teaching Information Literacy

In today’s world, where information is abundant but not always accurate, our librarians play a crucial role in teaching information literacy. They meet with classes and offer one-on-one instruction on how to evaluate sources, avoid plagiarism, and use information ethically. Understanding how to find, use, and cite information is a critical skill not only for your academic success but also for your future career.

Curating Resources

Librarians are also responsible for curating the library’s collections to ensure they meet the needs of the college community. They carefully select books, e-books, journals, and other resources that support the curriculum and provide a broad range of perspectives. They also work to provide access to digital resources, ensuring you can find the information you need whether you're on campus or studying remotely.

Supporting Faculty and Staff

Our librarians collaborate with faculty to integrate library resources into course materials and assignments. They can create course-specific research guides, provide instruction sessions tailored to your class, and help faculty stay current with the latest research in their fields. For staff, librarians offer support in finding resources for professional development and institutional research.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Beyond their academic roles, librarians are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. They are here to support you, whether you need a quiet place to study, a break from your workload, or someone to guide you through a tough research challenge. Our librarians are approachable and eager to help you succeed.

Innovating and Adapting

Librarians are constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of the college community. They stay ahead of trends in technology and education, integrating new tools and resources that enhance learning. Whether it’s providing access to cutting-edge databases, offering virtual research assistance, or creating spaces for collaborative work, they are always finding ways to improve your library experience.

Next time you visit the library, remember that your librarians are much more than library gatekeepers. They are your partners in learning, ready to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out—they’re here to support your success!

Photo of new books on display on the second floor of the library

NEW BOOKS

Visit the library to borrow these and other books. Your ID card is your library card, so please remember to bring it with you!

Be sure to visit the new book display on the second floor of the library to peruse these and other titles. Unless otherwise noted, all books are available to borrow.

Visit the library to borrow these and other books. Your ID card is your library card, so please remember to bring it with you!

MEET LIBRARY STAFF: SHARI CUOMO

Photo of Shari Cuomo

If you’ve been to Begley Learning Commons, you’ve likely met Shari Cuomo, Senior Library Clerk. In her position staffing the library’s service desk, Shari is the first point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and other library users.

From helping users borrow materials, to answering questions about study spaces, and guiding students to the best person to help them, Shari provides a welcoming atmosphere that is supportive of student success.

TUTORIALS

Did you know that we have a variety of tutorials on the library website to teach you how to find a book, search a database, evaluate a resource, cite a source, and more? Visit our tutorials page here

This tutorial teaches you how to find books in Begley Library.

RESEARCH HELP IN LEARNING CENTER

Sign that says welcome to the learning center with table and chairs in the learning center in the background

If you need help with research, or want to brush up on computer skills, stop by the Writing and Research table in the Learning Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-4:00. Librarian Matthew Montalbano will be in the Learning Center at those times.

COMPUTER HELP

Librarians Sine and Matthew can help answer your computer questions!  Click the button below to schedule a time to meet in the Begley Learning Commons.

YOU CAN RESERVE THIS SPACE

Photo of the technology wall in the learning commons, which includes a very large wall-mounted monitor, and sofa and counter seating

Did you know that students, faculty, and staff can reserve this space for college activities?

To reserve the Media Wall, please use the "book a teaching space" form on the library website, and include a description of the activity. All reservations are subject to availability and mediation by library staff.

Photo of the technology room in the library, which includes a large wall-mounted monitor, comfortable seating and counter seating.

Did you know that students, faculty, and staff can reserve this space for college activities?

To reserve the Technology Room/BLC 103, please use the "book a teaching space" form on the library website, and include a description of the activity. All reservations are subject to availability and mediation by library staff.

WORD GAMES

Can you solve this cryptogram?

"IOMBYQS SYDOP AP PUXONEMFO RU SU JKOQ JO KMDO RU PRMG"

- - XMPUQ FUUEOG

 

How to Play Cryptogram
A cryptogram is a puzzle where a quote or phrase is encrypted by substituting each letter of the alphabet with a different letter. Your goal is to decipher the original text. Remember, each cryptogram is unique, and no letter can represent itself in the substitution. Happy decoding!

MORE GAMES

Photo of library-themed word games at the library service desk

Like games? Visit the library to play a game and win a prize! New games each week.

EDITOR

Photo of Caroline Buff in her office

Caroline Buff
Research & Instruction Librarian
BLC 211G
email: buffca@sunysccc.edu

Contact me to schedule a class visit!

A librarian can provide a quick intro to library services, or an in-depth lesson on using a database, or anything in between. Contact me to learn more.

LIBRARY HOURS

Fall 2024

Reminder: Virtual Assistance is ALWAYS available. Chat online with a college librarian 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with Ask Us 24/7.

Day Open Close
Monday 8:00 AM 9:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM  9:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM 9:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM 9:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM 4:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM

2:30 PM
Sunday CLOSED

Ask Us 24/7

Ask Us 24/7

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