During library hours, all floors are open at each location. Library visitors are able
to use our new MeeScan self-checkout machines or mobile app for quick, easy contactless
checkout of books, and contactless self-serve hold shelves have been positioned for
material pickup. Print course reserves are available and we have deployed a UV sterilizing
machine to sanitize course reserve materials between uses.
The Binghamton University Libraries’ material collections are dealt with in large
part by our resident expert Jim Galbraith, head of collection development. He also
leads Collections, a team of faculty librarians with subject specializations, cataloguing
and web-based expertise who theorize the financial and scholarly impacts of adding
physical books, eBook packages and journal subscriptions prior to purchase. By viewing
collections as changeable, the Libraries anticipate fluctuation and can apply formulas
to issues such as budget reprioritization, technological innovation or scholarly preference
to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes for faculty, staff and students.
Spotlight on Special Collections: A Q&A with Jeremy Dibbell
For most people, change isn’t synonymous with libraries but those who have the inside
track know that change agents make the best librarians. The professional work involved
in librarianship today includes identifying trends, learning and teaching new modalities,
redefining best practices and maintaining relationships. It becomes clear in conversation
with the Libraries’ newest faculty member, Special Collections Librarian Jeremy Dibbell,
that he has what it takes.
When campus temporarily closed at the end of the spring semester, we were unable to
wrap up the year with our student workers. This fall, student supervisors at the Glenn
G. Bartle, Science and University Downtown Center libraries were especially looking
forward to the beginning of the semester because it was a reunion. Library student
workers are important to us. They help keep the library running smoothly, but they
also serve as ambassadors and their fresh perspective on library services helps keep
a spring in our step.
