The Library Observer

As the University Library is open 24/7 presently, it's all the more important that all patrons pay close attention to their belongings in the library. A distracted student is a good target; don't make yourself attractive to thieves by leaving things unattended.

It's worth the slight extra effort to grab your laptop, cell phone, or iPod and bring it to the bathroom/soda machine with you. The cost you would incur in replacing it would far outweigh the possible inconvenience of carrying it with you for a minute. Help make sure that none of your holiday gifts are replacements this year!

And last but not least- good luck! We hope to see everyone again next semester, and our winter students and faculty over intersession.

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The libraries are busily preparing for the re-arrival of our students on campus this fall. Be on the lookout for information about the following topics:

*FOOD in the libraries! A new policy has been adopted- each library will have a designated area where food is allowed, but no food whatsoever will be allowed in our stacks. Drinks in closed containers will still be OK. More on this soon!

*We had very few theft incidents during final exams of Spring 2006. THANK YOU for your continued awareness to your belongings in our facilities! We hope to see each student depart UAlbany with their laptops and iPods in their possession.

*Extended hours have been a big success. The University Library's 24/7 hours during final exams have received overwhelming positive feedback from the campus community! We want all students to know there is a safe, comfortable place to study even during the late-night hours.

That's all for now. Be on the lookout for further postings and extensive signage concerning our new policy on food in all three libraries.

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A student reported her wallet was stolen this past Friday, April 27. UPD was called immediately by Circulation staff, and a report was taken. The wallet was not recovered.

This time of year is particularly busy and distracting for our students and staff. Please be extra sure that you are not leaving bags, laptops, and other items unattended in any of our libraries! Many are aware of the distractions students face during finals, and take advantage of them. Make sure you go home with everything you brought to UAlbany!

As usual, the libraries are not responsible for lost or stolen articles within our facilities. Please help us help you, by making thieves unwelcome in our buildings.

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Late yesterday morning (3/5/07) a laptop was stolen out of an employee’s office at Dewey Library. The thief entered the office through a door that was presumed to be locked. The thief was familiar enough with the building to get into the space, disconnect the laptop, and walk out of the building undetected.

Students, Faculty, and Staff of UAlbany are urged to keep their personal belongings with them at all times while in the libraries. If you do not have a way to lock up your things, ask a friend to keep an eye on them or bring them with you. The University at Albany is a public institution, accessible to the entire Capital District community. The libraries are not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.

To report a theft, see the Circulation desk of your library. Should you be elsewhere on campus, contact UPD at 442-3131.

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On 1/30/07 at approximately 11:10 pm in the University Library a library student staff member reported the following:

A male flashed a student on the first floor, near the Reference area. This was witnessed by another patron. The suspect ran out the front door, but not so fast that Circ students couldn’t get a look. The library student staffer can recognize him on sight, as can one other student, and has seen the suspect in the library on other occasions.

If you experience a personal safety incident while in the libraries, notify Circulation staff immediately. Be aware of your surroundings and belongings while in publicly-accessible areas, including the library!

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A theft was reported at the main University Library on January 12, 2007.

An unlocked staff office was entered and a purse stolen. This was reported to UPD and a report filed immediately. The thieves wasted little time in using stolen credit cards at area stores. Thankfully, the theft was reported in time to prevent this causing major damage.

As always, keep your valuables under lock and key whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings, and do not leave any belongings unattended at all; ask a friend to keep an eye on them if you absolutely must.

* * * * * * *

STUDENTS: IF YOU ARE A REGULAR LIBRARY USER LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STORE BOOKS AND OBJECTS OF VALUE, CHECK OUT THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY'S FREE LOCKER PROGRAM!

VISIT http://library.albany.edu/circ/carrels.html FOR INFORMATION AND SIGNUP!

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to The Library Observer blog. Check back soon for important updates about Spring 2007!

Posted by Edmee Hernandez at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)