The above photos are from the HWS Archives and can be found on the Archives Instagram.

President Trump’s executive orders have impacted many of us in our fields of study, and they have been acutely felt in higher education including academic libraries. On March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order calling for the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), as well as six other agencies. Although the Warren Hunting Smith Library is not a direct recipient of IMLS funding, I have been in contact with Laura Schiefer, the Executive Director of the Rochester Regional Library Council to understand its impact.

On April 4, the New York Attorney General Letitia James co-led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general and filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to stop dismantling the IMLS along with two other federal agencies. More information about this lawsuit can be found on AG James’ website.

We will be monitoring the impact of this executive order and will update the college community as warranted.

Sincerely,

Chuck Vesei
Library Director and Librarian of the Colleges

We want to give you all a chance to get to know the people who keep the Library running and the knowledge flowing! This month, we're highlighting Stefan Baer, Technical Services Manager. 

Stefan has worked at Warren Hunting Smith Library since 1998, and has been a part of the HWS community even longer. "In a lot of ways, it's like my homeland," Stefan says. "I practically grew up here!"

As the Technical Services Manager, Stefan "help[s] manage the flow of library acquisitions. I make sure orders get received, I help invoices get to the business office, and I notify the Collection Services Librarian of any issues."

One of Stefan's favorite services offered by the library is the access to databases and electronic journals. He loves "being able to help people get the information they need, and being able to get the information I need."

In his free time, Stefan is into music and the performing arts! In addition to being a four-time Rochester Fringe Festival performer, he plays the ukulele, piano and, "I'm learning how to play percussion bells (glockenspiel) which is a good instrument for me since it's a lot like the piano."

When asked about a favorite book, Stefan couldn't give a single answer— he loves too many! "Okay, that one's kind of hard," he answers. "Let's just say if a book has a nice, clean cover with a captivating title, I will probably pick it up and at least give it a look-over."

Our New Books section is a constantly rotating selection of the latest releases in the Library's collection, and is a great place to browse and find something that piques your interest. Science? Politics? Fiction? There's something for every preference.

If you are in the mood for something new to read, we have a few suggestions. Click on any of the book covers below to be taken to the library's website, where you can place a hold or find the call number. 

And don't forget, we have a selection of new and popular books, especially fiction, on Overdrive/Libby.

HWS Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Brandon Moblo and his student assistants have been processing a large collection of photo slides. They date from the 1940s to the early 1990s and include most of the color images we have of campus from that period.

In one of the boxes, he found a note from Clayton Adams, the former campus photographer, to Charlotte Hegyi, the former archivist, which reads, "Here are some samples of the materials I have in Alumni House. There are about 5 boxes of slides and negatives all from before 1987... If you are interested, please call me Tuesday or Thursday..." [emphasis added]

How fortunate that he thought of the archives and these images weren't lost forever!

Follow the archives on Instagram: @hwsarchives

In collaboration with HWS's Title IX office, April's display (on the second floor of the library) will highlight vital resources and information for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The display will include a Clothesline Project, which will be filled out in the Scandling Center and then posted in the library.

Find further reading on the library website and learn more about Title IX programs and compliance.

4 prizes for the ongoing guessing games have already been claimed, but you still have 3 chances to win!

Stop by the circulation desk and use the QR code to submit your guess. The games are switched out every two weeks. The themes for upcoming games are: Coffee, Skittles, and a Mini Library!

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