Historically, academic libraries and public libraries have operated within their own domains, serving their own populations with their own information needs. Academic libraries served students, researchers, and faculty members, while public libraries served the community. That has been the traditional division of responsibility.
The University Libraries and Albany Public Library want to change that.
Because after all, aren't students, researchers, and faculty members part of the community? And don't community members have a right to access materials inside academic libraries?
Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, the University Libraries and the Albany Public Library collaborated on a number of occasions to foster a strengthened relationship, one where everyone benefits.
Albany Public Library hosts a library card drive in the University Library
Beginning in September, Albany Public Library visited the University Library on five occasions to host library card sign-up drives. What began as a National Library Card Sign-Up Month initiative was met with rave reviews from students. More than 220 students received library cards during these events.
Similarly, the University Libraries have entered into an agreement to allow community members with an Albany Public Library card to borrow materials from the collection. Deanna DiCarlo, the Head of Branch Services for Albany Public, had this to say about our reciprocal lending relationship:
"As a UAlbany alum myself (MSIS 2011), I know firsthand how important it is for students to feel welcome in and connected to our city. Being an Albany Public Library member provides students and residents with many opportunities for shared experiences, and we are so excited to make it even easier for UAlbany students to get a library card," DiCarlo noted. "We are also grateful to UAlbany for granting APL adult cardholders access to the University's physical collections, and for providing us with an easy way to register our members for those borrowing privileges at any APL branch. Both teams who worked on this project look forward to seeing our mascots Damien and Bleecker sign up for their first library cards this fall as a fun celebration of our reciprocal partnership."
Students pose with their brand-new library cards
The recent collaborations extend beyond library card drives and reciprocal borrowing agreements. Early in the spring semester, staff members from the Division of Collections and Discovery took a field trip to the Washington Avenue Branch and Pine Hills Branch of APL. This visit allowed staff to explore resources available at the public library, and better refer our patrons to them when needed.
APL has also hosted several UAlbany students as interns, and too great success! "Interning at Albany Public Library offers information science graduate students a unique opportunity to apply their skills in real-world settings, working directly with patrons and learning from experienced librarians," said Rebecca Lubin, Head of Community Engagement. "These internships not only enhance practical knowledge but are beneficial when looking for employment. For example, Digital Navigator interns play an invaluable role in supporting reference staff by offering hands-on computer assistance to the public. Their work provides them with direct experience serving the Albany community and a deeper understanding of the vital services offered by Albany Public Library."
Both the University Libraries and Albany Public Library are excited to build on and strengthen these connections in the coming semester.