Think the library offers only academic journals? We have access to a large collection of popular magazines through the Libby by OverDrive service, too! Read digital copies of The New Yorker, Cook's Illustrated, and many more titles.

For November’s issue of the newsletter, we’re highlighting Jen Schlossberg, our Access Services Librarian. First, a little about Jen’s position:

“As the Access Services librarian I oversee the front desk team that offers circulation, course reserves and interlibrary loan (ILL) services. This same group also maintains the physical collections in the building except for Archives. In addition to seeing me at the Circulation Desk sometimes, you may also see me teaching a library instruction class or offering research services. My most behind-the-scenes role is being the point-person for issues related to the building such as repairs, safety training and space allocation. I work closely with the library director, Buildings and Grounds, and Campus Safety to ensure a pleasant and safe visit to the library.”

Jen's first day at HWS was April 8, 2024 — the day of the solar eclipse! “Much of my campus experiences have been at larger schools. While some may like the anonymity of a big school, I truly value the close sense of community at HWS,” Jen says. “I started here on Solar Eclipse Day and immediately saw the connections among the students, staff and faculty. Granted, it wasn’t a typical day, but so many in the campus community were mingling and I regularly see these interactions on campus.”

Jen has worked as a librarian for more than 25 years and says of her profession, “I find great satisfaction in connecting with people and teaching them information literacy skills and how to efficiently sift through information,” she tells us. She adds, “I have been drawn to libraries all my life, but it wasn’t until after I got my first post-undergrad library job that I realized so much of what librarians do involves people.”

No interview with a library staff member is complete without asking for a book recommendation! “The most recent addition to my favorite books list is Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward, a National Book Award for Fiction winner,” Jen offers. “I love magical realism in literature although this is the first I encountered based around contemporary black-southern culture. The characters are rich and fully formed, and each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character.” You can find Sing, Unburied, Sing in the library’s collection.

Outside of the library, you might find Jen browsing around an architectural salvage shop. “I live in an old 1890s Queen Anne-style house and am often digging through dirty bins of house parts looking for items that match the aesthetics of my house. And sometimes I add something that is not architecturally accurate but still adds interest to the house, like the speakeasy grill I installed on my tall garden gate. I have boxes of door hinges, ceiling lights sets, doorknobs and newel post finials taking up a lot of space in our garage.”

Whether you’re seeking research help, checking out books or want to talk home renovations, you can look for Jen!

Check out a key to one of our Private Study Carrels!

The library has eight private study carrels available to be checked out, each for three hours at a time. These study carrels are a great place to get some quiet studying done, take an online test or conduct an interview. 

All study carrels are located on the third floor and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can check out a key from the circulation desk. 

The Library will be closed Thursday, November 27 through Saturday, November 29. Normal hours will resume Sunday, November 30. The first floor will stay open 24 hrs.

Book an appointment with our Research & Consultation Team!

Research help is available every Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. You can make an appointment on the library website, or if you happen to have a question when you're already here, we take walk-ins, too!

You can even get research help virtually. If the speech bubble in the bottom right hand corner of the library website is purple, that means a library staff member (not a chatbot) is online and ready to answer your question. 

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