Information for Transfer Students
Welcome to the University at Albany. As a transfer student, you may be accustomed to using a very different library for your research, possibly a much smaller one. This page presents some of the possible differences between the University Libraries and other libraries. Please take a few minutes to look at these differences, as knowing more about the University Libraries will aid you in your research.
Number of Libraries
Most smaller schools only need one library to meet the needs of their student population. A large university, such as the University at Albany, will often have several libraries that meet more specific student needs. The University at Albany has three libraries: the University Library, which houses collections and services for the fine and performing arts, business, education, humanities and the social sciences; the Dewey Graduate Library, which serves the needs of graduate students and faculty in the areas of criminal justice, social welfare, information science and policy, and the public affairs and policy; and the New Library, which houses the Science Library, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, and the Preservation and Digital Imaging Laboratory. All of these libraries share a common catalog, Minerva, so patrons can easily find out what is available at each library. Each library also has wireless network access available for all faculty, staff, and students.
Tours of each library are available online:
Studying in the Library
If you are planning on studying in the University Library, there are several places to do this, both with a group and individually.
| Group Study Areas | Individual Study Areas |
|---|---|
Basement Group Study Room B26 (check out key at Circ. Desk) Group Study Room B47 (check out key at Circ. Desk) |
Basement Perimeter of Bound Periodicals Current Periodicals Reading Room  |
1st Floor Northwest wing |
1st Floor Reference perimeter Southeast wing |
| 2nd Floor Presidents' Reading Room End of Oversized Collection |
2nd Floor |
| 3rd Floor Perimeter Center - Carrel area |
|
| Wireless internet access available at these locations |
|
Policy for Use of the Science Library Group Study Rooms
LOCKERS
Lockers in the University Library provide a secure storage place for personal materials and are assigned to both graduate and undergraduate students. Because there is a limited number of lockers available, locker assignments are for a limited time period. Lockers are assigned on an annual basis. All locker assignments expire AUGUST 31st each year. Upon assignment, individuals are eligible for a one year renewal. Renewals are not automatically granted. Lockers are assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
More information about lockers
Technology in the University Libraries
There are technology resources available throughout the University Libraries. They include computers, photocopiers, scanners, and more. While the University Library has the most technology resources, including access to a variety of software programs in the Interactive Media Center, both the Science Library and the Dewey Library provide their students with many technology resources to meet the needs of their academic programs.
Information on the available technology in each of the libraries
Electronic Resources
The University Libraries have over 250 electronic databases available to all students. These databases cover a very broad range of topics, some very general and others very specific, and most can be accessed remotely. This may be many more databases than were available at your previous library and while this might initially sound overwhelming, having access to them will be very helpful for research. Through these databases, students have access to many valuable resources that they would not otherwise be able to use, including abstracts and full-text from thousands of periodicals, subject-specific encyclopedias and dictionaries, statistical information, audio and image resources, and more.
Access the electronic databases
Information on researching with electronic databases
Bibliographers
Bibliographers, sometimes called subject specialists, are affiliated with each academic department or program. The bibliographers provide coordination between the University Libraries and the faculty and students in the University's academic departments. The librarians who serve as bibliographers are members of the academic faculty and play a pivotal role in the selection, acquisition, and maintenance of the resources provided by the University Libraries.
If you wish to speak with a bibliographer about a specific collection or for research assistance within his or her subject, visit the subject specialist page to determine who the bibliographer is for that subject.
You can also make a recommendation for library purchase online. Your recommendation will be reviewed by one of the bibliographers, who will then notify you of the decision.
Call Numbers
Your previous library might have used the Dewey Decimal System for call numbers. This classification system is more common in smaller academic libraries and most public libraries. The University Libraries use multiple classification systems, but the primary one is the Library of Congress classification system, which is the standard system at research libraries.
Information on how the Library of Congress Classification System works
Information on how to locate call numbers within the library
Further Information
Many questions about how to use the libraries or how to do research can be found on the Instructions and Tutorials web site. There are many valuable resources on this site that you should become familiar with, as you will be able to use this information throughout your college career.
Use PAWS, Personalized Assistance With Searching for one-on-one research assistance and in-depth consultation with a librarian. Request a convenient appointment time for your busy schedule.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask any of the reference librarians at any of the libraries. The librarians are there to help you, so don't hesitate to ask them any question you have. You can also contact a reference librarian via IM, email, or phone using the contact information available on our website.
More information about the University Libraries, including policies and services
Library hours and reference desk hours for each library
