• Download the Brochure

SOJOURNER TRUTH LIBRARY FAST FACTS

On March 12, 1971, the State University of New York at New Paltz dedicated the new library to Sojourner Truth for her connection to the region, and the powerful impact of her work. An influential abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Truth was born into slavery in Ulster County in 1797. The Sojourner Truth Library is one of the few public buildings in the United States named in honor of an enslaved person.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LIBRARY

• Open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, emerita and the community
• 9 group study rooms that can be reserved 1 week in advance. Group study rooms are equipped with Smart boards and white boards. 10 individual study rooms are also available.
• An extensive collection of information sources that support learning, teaching and research, including over 400,000 books, 149,000 eBooks and 98 research databases that provide access to scholarly journals, magazines and newspapers
• Laptops, iPads, headphones and Apple/Android chargers can be checked out from the circulation desk • Late night study room open between midnight – 4 a.m. most nights and overnight during midterm and finals weeks
• The DASH Lab (Digital Arts, Sciences and Humanities) has 20 Mac desktop computers with specialized design, audio and video software; 2 projection screens, Smart boards and a sound booth for recording
• The New Paltz Zine Library collects and celebrates zine materials, reflecting campus values of creativity and critical social inquiry through the promotion of student expression on social and political issues. Zine making kits are available for checkout.
• 12 gallery cases showcase student and faculty scholarly research, artwork, design initiatives, class projects, and library resources
• A large selection of children’s and young adult books in English and Spanish
• Create Space is equipped with craft supplies and sewing machines
  Typewriters are available for check out
• There are 80 computers, 32 laptops, 4 printers and document/book scanners
  A very active Friends of the Library organization whose mission is to raise funds to enhance the library’s collections

SPACES

• Main Floor, newly renovated in 2016, hosts an Information Commons with a wide range of technology and seating options for individual or collaborative work, and a beautiful view of the Shawangunk Ridge
• Conference Room equipped with PC, projection screen and overhead projector
• Faculty-Staff Quiet Study Room on the Concourse Level open to all faculty and staff who are employed by SUNY New Paltz
• Ground Floor silent study area
• Concourse Level quiet study area
• Truth Café serves breakfast and lunch
• Main Floor gallery for exhibitions and public events

RESEARCH HELP

• Visit our website at library.newpaltz.edu for hours and other ways to get help with your research. Go to the Help tab and click on Ask a Librarian.
• Research Consultation with a Librarian: Any student can make an appointment for in-depth research help. From the library homepage, go to the Help tab and click on Research Consultation Request to schedule an appointment.
• Research guides: Librarian-created online subject guides help you identify useful strategies and sources for your research. Guides are available for academic disciplines and individual courses. From our website go to Learning and click on Research Guides.
• To help students navigate an increasingly complex information landscape, the Library Instruction Program works across campus to support the progressive development of information literacy. The ability to effectively find, evaluate, use and produce information are critical competencies for college, career, citizenship and lifelong learning.

SUNY DIGITAL REPOSITORY (DSPACE)

This open access repository contains scholarship and other materials produced at SUNY colleges and universities. New Paltz holdings include Master’s theses and undergraduate student research.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

• The Sojourner Truth Library serves as a repository for some of the official and unofficial records of SUNY New Paltz
• The Sojourner Truth Collection is a small collection of copies of clippings and articles about Sojourner Truth, including events held in her honor, performances about her, and her USPS commemorative stamp. There are also copies of primary documents held by other archives.

INTERLIBRARY LOAN

Interlibrary Loan allows you to obtain books, articles, and materials from other libraries in as little as a few hours by email or, for physical items, usually within 3–5 days.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Over 1,300 patrons visit our library daily during the semester
• Librarians reach 7,600 student annually during instructional sessions
• Our patrons obtained over 5,500 items from libraries worldwide last year
• The library circulates 410,000 items from our collection annually
• Our 110,983 square foot building houses a library collection of over 400,000 books and 212 print journal titles. 149,000 eBooks and 98 online research databases are accessible on campus or at home.
• An extensive print reference collection
• Single search Discovery for all library content

LEISURE/RECREATIONAL MATERIALS

• We have books on a wide range of topics, including: gardening, sports, health, cooking, farming, theatre, music, dance…What’s your hobby? Ask us and we can find resources for you. See newpaltz.libguides.com/leisure for some reading suggestions.
• We have DVDs, audio books, music cds and zines available for checkout
• Newspapers in print and online
• Popular magazines and journals in print and online
• Streaming Video – Classic, documentary, foreign language films
• Stream Music (NAXOS Music Collection)
• Research Guides for subjects of interest

LIBRARY VALUES

COMMUNICATION – We regularly publicize library services and resources to the college community and share information with library colleagues.
APPROACHABILITY – We carry out our responsibilities with a welcoming attitude.
ORGANIZATION – We organize and maintain our facility, collections and systems to ensure ease of access.
COOPERATION – We build and maintain cooperative working relationships with the college community and with one another to achieve the library’s mission and goals.
RESPECT – We treat all library users and one another with respect.
EXCELLENCE – We strive to provide the best information services and resources for all users.

 

In this library every researcher should feel welcome and well supported. If your experience differs from this please contact the Dean at LibraryDean@newpaltz.edu or 845-257-3719.