Posted on behalf of Andy Ashton, Director of the Libraries.

Welcome back — and for freshmen, welcome! The Library is a wonderful place to find the information you need for your research interests, a quiet area for study or contemplation, or a place to check out a good book or movie. We’re looking forward to a great new year.

Zines collection

Over the summer, the library put the finishing touches on a project to make our zines collection available to you.  Zines are a DIY, self-published medium, incorporating voices and narratives frequently absent from more traditional publishing venues.  Our collection includes materials from a wide variety of voices and perspectives, including three Vassar student organization zines.  And we’re looking for more!  As curator Heidy Berthoud noted, [Misc. News 26 Feb 2015 – p7] “We would love to have students make zines and donate them to the collection, because we really want them to record what’s important to students on campus right now, and what their thoughts are.”

The new zines space — our zines lounge — is located next to the Periodical Room (Room 255) on the second floor of the Main Library.  We encourage you to visit, read, and contact us (zines@vassar.edu or @vassarzines) with any questions or zines you’d like to donate.

Kanopy – Streaming Video

Following our trial last spring, we are now using Kanopy to stream films. Kanopy works directly with filmmakers and film distribution companies to offer award-winning collections including titles from Kino Lorber, California Newsreel and the Criterion Collection.

La Habanera, Douglas Sirk, 1937

Access Kanopy through the Databases page on our website, or go directly to Vassar’s connection at http://vassar.kanopystreaming.com.libproxy.vassar.edu/.

Director’s Office

Andrew Ashton, Director of Libraries

On a personal note, I am excited to begin our new semester as well.  I joined Vassar as Director of the Libraries in mid-August and I am enjoying getting to know the students and faculty.  Vassar’s innovative and dynamic curriculum provides lots of opportunities to explore how the library can continue to be a critical partner in the academic life of the college.  I look forward to our new academic year – and I hope to see you in the library!