The Monsignor William Noe Field Archives and Special Collections has received a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission to process its collections documenting Irish immigrant history. The project, titled “Irish Immigrant Solidarity in New Jersey, 1870-Present,” will organize and preserve an enormous collection of papers donated to the archives by John Concannon, the historian of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, as well as three smaller collections: records of the Montclair chapter of the Knights of Columbus, the papers of James McFarland which document the activities of the Trenton branch of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, and the records of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians from Bergen County and Rahway. These records build on Seton Hall’s long history of engagement with Irish American culture to illustrate the communal bonds that supported these immigrants as they built new lives in America. Immigrant history is a particular strength of Seton Hall’s Special Collections, and this grant will assist the archives in the preservation of this history for future generations, as well as sharing it with students and faculty today.
The Library’s After Hours Study Space Returns!
We are pleased to announce the re-opening of the After Hours Study Space on Monday, August 30!
The room is adjacent to Dunkin’ Donuts on the library’s 2nd floor:
How it works:
During the library’s regular hours, the room is open and available for all to use, with entrance/exit only from within the library through the wooden door.
During the library’s overnight hours—
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- midnight thru 8am Monday – Friday
- midnight Friday thru 9am Saturday
- 5pm Saturday thru 11am Sunday
- midnight Sunday thru 8am Monday
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—the room is accessible only to current SHU students, with entrance/exit from outside the library via the card swipe door located on the walkway:
In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts will be open 24/7 from Monday-Friday, closing at 1am Saturday and Sunday, starting Monday, August 30, so students can travel from one space to the other!
Reminder to wear your mask whenever you are inside the library or the After Hours Study Space!
Mabel Wong Honored for 30 Years of Exceptional Service
Mabel A. Wong’s friendly and familiar face has been seen at Walsh Library since it opened in 1994. Mabel, the Walsh Library Circulation Supervisor, received her 30-year Seton Hall service award in March. The original ceremony was postponed last year due to the pandemic and held on Teams this year. Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Michael Silvestro, presented the service award to Mabel. University President, Dr. Joseph Nyre, also spoke at the event. Mabel was presented with a certificate and a pin to commemorate her 30 years of service to the University. Mabel has “a whole collection of pins” for each milestone year she has served at Seton Hall. Mabel was also awarded the McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service in 2010.
Mabel, the longest tenured employee at Walsh Library, started as a circulation clerk at McLaughlin Library in April of 1989. McLaughlin Library preceded the Walsh Library on the South Orange Campus. Mabel said, “I think back to when I started and it’s a world of difference.” There was no automated circulation system and the circulation staff used punch cards to check books out. Mabel also typed out overdue notices that were sent out by mail. The circulation desk was busier because reserves were available only in print and the ten microfilm machines always had people waiting to use them. Mabel thinks things are better now because the library provides easier access to more information. The best part of the job for Mabel is talking to the students. She is still in touch through Facebook with students she knew from McLaughlin Library. Thank you to Mabel for her exceptional and dedicated service. We hope to see her friendly face at the Walsh Library circulation desk for years to come!
New Research Procedures in Special Collections
Starting in the Fall semester of 2021, the Archives and Gallery (Special Collections) will operate out of a single reception space at the front desk of Walsh Gallery. Here’s the entrance to Walsh Gallery:
Visitors looking for both archival and museum materials, as well as individuals with appointments in the department, or researchers looking for rare books or Archdiocesan materials will come here to be directed to where they need to go. Here’s the reception desk:
The Archives Reading Room will remain open by appointment only. Researchers needing to consult with archival documents or view museum objects will be able to make an appointment to see materials. The Archives Reading Room will also continue to host classes incorporating archival materials. Additionally, events centered around Seton Hall’s museum and archives collections may take place in the Reading Room.
Welcome back to campus! We look forward to seeing you during the 2021-2022 academic year!
University Mask Mandate Extended
Indoor Mask Requirement Extended Until Further Notice
The existing indoor mask requirement, originally announced on July 29, is being extended until further notice. All individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated) are required to wear a mask at all indoor, nonresidential, on-campus University settings, except when alone or dining [details].
When visiting Walsh Library, you must wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth, at all times.
Library Hours for the 2021 Fall Semester
#SHU_Libraries welcomes new and returning students!
~ The Library is open 7 days a week during the semester ~
**2021 Fall Semester Hours begin on Monday, August 30th**
Monday, August 30th — Tuesday, November 23rd
Sunday 11am – midnight
Monday – Friday 8am – midnight
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Thanksgiving Recess
Wednesday, November 24th — Saturday, November 27th CLOSED
Sunday, November 28th — Sunday, December 5th
Sunday 11am – midnight
Monday – Friday 8am – midnight
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Final Exam Hours
Monday, December 6th — Friday, December 10th 8am – 3am
Saturday, December 11th 9am – midnight
Sunday, December 12th 11am – midnight
Open 24/7
8am Monday, December 13th — 11pm Tuesday, December 21st
Wednesday, December 22nd
8am – 5pm
Christmas Recess
Thursday, December 23rd — Wednesday, January 3rd, 2022 CLOSED
E-ZBorrow is getting an EZ-ier interface!
We’re excited to let you know that E-ZBorrow, the service that allows us to borrow over millions of books held at our 50+ partnering institutions is getting a makeover! Soon you will see a new and improved search interface, allowing users to more easily browse, find, and request materials!
Here’s the new interface:
When will this happen?
On Thursday, August 12th we will switch over to the new system.
What’s different?
During the initial rollout, you will use your SHU shortname (e.g. bidenjoe) to request materials. Here’s the login screen:
What will be the same?
Although the underlying technology is changing, the key benefits of the E-ZBorrow service remain the same. You can still check out books from any one of our 60+ university and research library partners around our region with the same speed, efficiency and convenience that EZBorrow has always provided!
Why the change?
We and our partners have developed a new system that leverages the latest library technology. The system will be more powerful than the current tool we use.
All of this gives you world-class access to library collections that will only improve going forward!
Questions? Contact us!
Although we aim to make this transition as smoothly as possible, we expect there will be questions. Please reach out to any of our librarians or staff via our chat reference or at our Circulation Desk (973-761-9435 | circulation@shu.edu)!
Get to Know the Library Staff! Elizabeth Leonard
Elizabeth Leonard is the Assistant Dean of Information Technologies and Collection Services. Her fantastic team runs “the back of the house,” managing the online library and ensuring that electronic and digital materials are findable and accessible.
1. How long have you been working at the library?
I’ve been working at Seton Hall since 2013.
2. What is a book that everyone should read?
Any book that brings them enjoyment. I have no patience with the idea that folks need to read something because everyone else is, or because someone said it is a “must read.” Reading should be a pleasure, like the smell of spring flowers or a hug from a friend.
3. What music are you listening to these days?
Not music—I’ve been listening to podcasts, mostly. Hidden Brain (Science/psychology), Amended (stories of women who fought racism, classism, and xenophobia), OnBeing (conversations about spirituality, science, social healing, and the arts).
4. Last music concert you attended?
Facebook live streamed concert of the Indigo Girls.
5. What is your favorite spot on campus?
Currently, I love to walk past the peony plants on the path leading to the entrance of the Dining Hall. Those are my favorite flowers.
6. Do you have a good take-out or delivery spot you’d recommend?
A colleague and I love to go to Jackie and Son. They have great, fresh food!
7. What is your favorite app?
Probably the New York Times Crossword app. I do the crossword everyday.
8. What is a skill you are working on mastering?
Not interrupting. I’ve been working on it my whole life (unsuccessfully). My brain generally moves at warp speed and my mouth forgets that it isn’t supposed to join in!
9. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I spent three years living in Germany, working for the Department of Defense. (Please don’t ask me to speak German anymore; I’ve forgotten most of it!)
10. What person living or dead would you like to have dinner with?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Eleanor Roosevelt.
Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month
Happy Caribbean American Heritage Month! Chelsea Barrett, Business Librarian / Africana Studies Liaison, in partnership with Sarah Ponichtera, Assistant Dean for Special Collections & the Gallery, have compiled a list of information on Caribbean American culture, life, and history.
Resources
A Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2021
President Joseph Biden’s statement on Caribbean Heritage Month where he speaks on the importance of Caribbean Americans, including Vice President Kamala Harris and honoring others that have contributed to the nation’s progression.
Caribbean American Heritage Month: Caribbean History and Culture
The U.S. Department of the Interior highlighted information on Caribbean History and Culture from a governmental perspective. See information on Caribbean-related legislation, Caribbean demographics, music, food and much more!
Archives and Special Collections
The SHU Archives and Special Collections would like to highlight MSS 36, The Cause of Pierre Toussaint. This collection documents the activism of two individuals who sought to have Pierre Toussaint, the 18th century Haitian American former slave turned New York philanthropist buried at St. Patrick’s, canonized as a saint. The collection includes letters of these individuals to figures in the Catholic Church, including Archbishops and the Pope advocating for this cause, photographs of his former burial place and re-burial at St. Patrick’s, and poems written in support of the cause. The materials are mainly from the 1990s.
Interested in this collection? Visit our finding aid for more information.
If you are interested in viewing the original materials, feel free to make an appointment with the SHU Archives and Special Collections.
Read
Interested in some Caribbean Reads? View our book display here and feel free to send recommendations!! Caribbean American Heritage Month Virtual Display
Watch
PBS – Caribbean American Heritage Month
Research Help & Resources
Africana Studies Librarians-send an email or schedule a chat!
Africana Studies Guide–Caribbean Page
Social Media
Follow the SHU West Indian Student Organization on Instagram for amazing Caribbean content! @shu_wiso
Follow Seton Hall University Libraries on social media for Caribbean American posts, updates and much more! Instagram · Twitter · Facebook
Blog post by Chelsea Barrett, Business Librarian / Africana Studies Liaison.
New Enhancements in PolicyMap
See what’s new in PolicyMap, a GIS mapping tool, which is used at SHU in many programs such as Public Health, Political Science and Education for student assignments and useful data for grant applications. There are fantastic new enhancements to make PolicyMap even more essential in your classroom and for your research including simplified data labels, histograms for ranges, an amazing number of boundaries and custom regions you can create, data benchmarks for context and the ability to add local data to PolicyMap that is important for your research. On June 1, the Libraries held a webinar that looked at new data including predominant race, mortgage denials/redlining, Social Vulnerability Index (CDC), andjh Medically Underserved Areas. The recording of the June 1 webinar is located here. Additional sessions will be scheduled over the summer. Stay tuned to SHU Libraries social media.
Information about new features is listed below:
- New help page for new PolicyMap: https://policymap.helpdocs.io/
- Data Updates: https://policymap.helpdocs.io/whats-new/data
- Multi-Layer Maps (upgrade to 3-Layers) https://policymap.helpdocs.io/multi-layer-maps/making-a-multi-map
- Editing Custom Regions https://policymap.helpdocs.io/custom-regions/edit-a-custom-region
There are additional resources available with sample assignments about using PolicyMap in the classroom here: https://policymap.helpdocs.io/academic-resources.
Please contact your liaison librarian for more information about PolicyMap.