Schaffer Library will work with you to get the resources you need as much as possible. Content updated 4/7/20.
How do I get access to digital books, articles, and film in the library’s collection?
Finding digital resources in our collection
Schaffer library offers digital access to hundreds of databases and thousands of online journal articles and ebooks. You can view our databases on our Database A-Z Guide or search for specific material using our catalog, Primo.
Schaffer library also offers access to hundreds of online primary databases that provide first or direct evidence about objects, people, events, or works of art. Please visit our Primary Source Database A-Z guide to access a partial list of primary databases.
When accessing digital resources through our catalog, you will be prompted to log in using your Union username and password. You do not need a VPN. For more information, we have put together a guide on getting off-campus access. Please contact reference@union.edu to learn more about our online resources or if you encounter problems finding and accessing digital content.
Using Ensemble to stream media in our collections
The library uses Ensemble to stream video content from our collection. To place a streaming request, please send a list of titles, via email, to Jason Nistico (nisticoj@union.edu). You will receive a link to Ensemble that can be embedded on Nexus. Materials will be made available for access on Ensemble as soon as possible. If we do not own the video you need, please use the Suggest a Purchase form or contact Raik Zagloul (zaghlour@union.edu), Head of Collection Development.
Remote Access
You can still access many of our resources online, without a need for a VPN. (Faculty abroad may need to use the campus VPN.) View instructions for connecting remotely on our off-campus access page.
Shipping and Scanning Requests
The library will mail Schaffer Library books to Union faculty and students living in the continental United States. The library will also scan articles and book chapters. Please see the Circulation and Course Reserves webpages for instructions on how to place shipping and scanning requests. The library will review entire book scanning requests on a case-by-case basis. Please be advised that the scanning and shipping services are subject to change based on COVID-19-related restrictions to campus and our physical collections.
How do I get access to digital books and other resources not currently available in the library’s collections?
What online resources and modules does the library support to enhance teaching, learning, and research?
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Center for Research Libraries (CRL)
Center for Research Libraries (CRL) offers topic guides listing a selection of key source materials that can support research in various areas. New citations are added from time to time; reformulated guides also provide an overview of the current “landscape” of information dissemination and collecting in particular fields, and reference selected online resources available through CRL.
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Credo
Credo is a set of electronic modules including tutorials, videos, and quizzes that are designed to give students a foundation in information literacy and critical thinking.Topics include: identifying and using different types of sources, search strategies, evaluating information, citations, and more. The modules can be used together as a full course or they can be broken up and embedded in Nexus at appropriate points. The last module is directed towards faculty with information on getting started using Credo as well as ideas for using the modules in assignments. Contact Lindsay Bush (bushl@union.edu) for assistance as well as information on using the modules separately.
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HathiTrust
HathiTrust (pronounced “hah-tee”) is a collaboratively produced digital library of over 17 million digitized items, a collection that is growing and fully accessible to member institutions, of which Union is one. HahtiTrust’s holdings are mainly books and articles, many of which are historical, full-text searchable, and downloadable. As such, HathiTrust is an essential repository of primary sources for historical research. It is accessible at hathitrust.org; log in via the button in the top right corner of the home page using your Union credentials. Additionally, the HathiTrust Research Center at https://analytics.hathitrust.org/ enables the collection to be text mined via such methods as topic modeling and named-entity recognition. Please contact Adam Mazel (mazela@union.edu) with questions or for assistance with HathiTrust and its Research Center.
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Kanopy
Kanopy is a purchase-on-demand film streaming service. The service provides access to educational, international, independent and documentary films. You can connect to Union’s Kanopy account directly or find it through our Database A-Z guide.
With the support of select content partners, Kanopy has made a collection of films free of charge to our institution for the next 30 days. This list will continue to grow as Kanopy connects with their content partners in the coming days. We will send regular updates as necessary.
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Refworks
Refworks is a personal information manager that allows you or your students to create their own online database of citations that can be organized and used when writing a paper or article. You can find more information about this resource on our Refworks LibGuide or by contacting Adam Mazel (mazela@union.edu).
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The Chronicle of Higher Education, The New York Times, and the Washington Post Subscriptions
Union College community members can sign up for a personal subscription to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Chronicle of Higher Education using your Union credentials. For more information on signing up see our guide to these subscriptions. If you are having trouble logging into your account, make sure that your subscription is current (these subscriptions need to be renewed periodically) and that you are signing in with your Union credentials. For other login issues, look for the troubleshooting links or email address in the guide for the subscription you are having issues with.
How can librarians help me and my students find and access resources for coursework and research?
How do I access content in Special Collections and Archives?
The Special Collections and Archives Department of Schaffer Library
Available to support faculty in utilizing special collections and archives in the online learning environment. We are able to offer zoom instruction sessions on a variety of topics. Please reach out to specialcollections@union.edu or Sarah Schmidt (schmids2@union.edu) for additional information.
Many of our collections are available online at https://digitalcollections.union.edu. Contact Becky Fried (friedr2@union.edu) with questions or help integrating these resources into your course.
The Adirondack Research Library
The Adirondack Research Library has a selection of its collection available online: https://digitalworks.union.edu/arl/.
How do I access resources from the Permanent Art Collection or Exhibitions?
The Permanent Collection & Mandeville Gallery department
Available to support faculty with methods of integrating artwork from the permanent collections or gallery exhibitions within teaching.
Please contact the mandevillegallery@union.edu or Julie Lohnes (lohnesj@union.edu).
Collections Online: A selection of collections can be seen on our website.
Artists Talks Online: Some of our past events were recorded and available on our website.
We can also do the following for you:
- Create a webpage with artworks you select to be used in teaching, with images and information from our database for each item.
- Send individual images to you or students for close study (not to be republished or printed).
- Hold zoom meetings to discuss artwork or look at work in-depth.
- Consult via zoom chat or email to help with research or study of collection items.
- Chats or videos with exhibiting artists Jane Swavely or Juan Hinojosa.