Welcome to the University Libraries

Information Literacy Department library.albany.edu/infolit

Welcome to the University Libraries

The University Library and the Science Library are located on the uptown campus. The Dewey Graduate Library is located on the downtown campus. Each library has unique spaces, materials and services.

The University at Albany has three libraries.

The University Library is located on the West side of the academic podium on the uptown campus.

• Located on the uptown campus.
• The largest library on the UAlbany campus.
• Known as the “main library.”
• Its collection includes resources on social sciences, humanities and business.

About the University Library

The Science Library is located behind the campus center on the uptown campus.

• Located on the uptown campus.
• The newest library on the UAlbany campus.
• Not just for Science majors – anyone can use it!
• Has 20 group study rooms.
• Its collection includes resources on the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics).

About the Science Library

The Dewey Graduate Library is located in Hawley Hall on the downtown campus.

• Located on the downtown campus.
• The oldest library on campus (The original stained glass windows are over 100 years old).
• Its collection includes resources on social work, information studies, public administration and criminal justice.

About the Dewey Graduate Library

As a UAlbany student, you can use the spaces, materials and services at all three libraries.

Each library has three noise zones. Look for the color-coded signs to find your preferred zone in the library.

Library Spaces

In these areas you can:

• Work on group projects.
• Talk in normal tones.
• Use headphones with devices.

Collaborative zones are green.

• The entire lower level of the Science Library.
• The Information Commons on the 1st floor of the University Library.
• The President’s Reading Room on the 2nd floor of the University Library.

Collaborative zones in the libraries include:

In these areas you can:

• Talk quietly.
• Set your mobile devices to vibrate.

Quiet zones are yellow.

• Most of the 2nd floor of the University Library.
• The Barnes & Noble Reading Room on the garden level of the Science Library.
• The Information Commons on the 1st floor of the Science Library.

Quiet zones in the libraries include:

In these areas you can:

• Study in silence.
• Mute your mobile devices or use headphones.
• Conversation is not permitted.

Silent zones are red.

• The entire 3rd floor of the University Library.
• The Current Periodicals Reading Room on the 1st floor of the Science Library.

Silent zones in the libraries include:

The Libraries have materials that you may browse or borrow, including: BooksMagazines,Newspapers,Journal ArticlesAudiovisual materials (CDs and DVDs)

Materials

For more help with finding resources, explore the following tutorial: Finding Books for Your Research

You can find library materials in print and electronically.

• From the Circulation Desk: headphones, calculators, phone chargers, HDMI adapters for group study rooms.
• Need other equipment? Check the Lower Level Lab.

Other Things You Can Borrow

These are materials that are unique to the University at Albany Libraries. The Special Collections and Archives include: University history dating back to 1844State and local history collectionsRare books dating back to the early 1500sHistorical children’s literatureNew York State Political archivePhotos, audio and video

Special Collections & Archives

The Special Collections and Archives are located on the 3rd floor of the Science Library.

To use these materials, visit the Research Room or schedule a research visit. Or explore the digital collections on the Special Collections and Archives website.

Special Collections & Archives (Cont.)

The Libraries and our campus partners offer many different services to help you with your academic studies. Visit our service points in the libraries or connect with us remotely. Select a service for more information.

• Reference: Get research help.
• Circulation: Borrow materials.
• Information Technology Services: Get computer help.
• Lower Level Lab: Get help while working on digital projects.
• Writing Center: Get writing help.

Services

The Libraries also offer other services that you might not expect. For example, therapy dogs visit the libraries during Finals Week to provide stress relief.

Additional Services

Let’s take a closer look at some of the service points you can visit in the library.

Service Points

• You can find Reference on the left side of the main service desk when you first enter the University Library.
• Visit the reference desk to get help with your research. You do not need an appointment.
• Click the Ask Us button on the library webpage to connect with a librarian virtually.

Reference Desk

Librarians at the reference desk can help you:

• Search the library catalog and the research databases.
• Find a book on the shelf.
• Identify the best resources on a topic.
• Cite your sources.

Reference Desk (Cont.)

For additional help, make a one-on-one PAWS appointment with a reference librarian.

Reference Desk: More Help

• Each of the three libraries has a circulation desk. At the University Library, Circulation is located in the center of the main service desk.
• If you would like to borrow a book, bring it to the circulation desk. Show your student ID to check out an item.
• You may also stop at this desk to ask about items on reserve and group study rooms.

Circulation Desk

IT assistants are located on the right side of the main service desk in the University Library. Ask ITS about computer issues, wireless Internet connections, and software.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

The Lower Level Lab is located in the basement of the University Library. In the LLL you can:

• Use audio/video and web design applications.
• Get help with media projects.
• Use the scanners.
• Book Studio B26 for audio recording and podcasting.

Lower Level Lab

Click on the Ask Us button for virtual help or visit us at the reference desk. We will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Not sure where to go?

We hope you found the information in this tutorial helpful. Questions? Please feel free to contact us. Help is available 24/7. If you are completing this tutorial as an assignment, make sure to fill out the credit form below.

This concludes your virtual library tour!