Starting college comes with a lot of excitement but also a lot of questions. From understanding assignments to figuring out how to begin research, many students quickly discover they need guidance. That’s where Alfred University’s Personal Librarian Program steps in.
Designed to give every student a direct, dedicated point of contact, the program reflects Alfred’s commitment to personalized attention and strong mentorship.
"Rather than saying 'Come to the library,' it’s 'Come to the library and talk to me. I’ll be your person,'” says Brian Sullivan, Dean of Libraries.
Every Alfred University student is paired with a personal librarian based on their major, someone they can go to for questions about research, navigating the university, or even understanding what an assignment is asking for.
Students often come in with their syllabus or a new project and think: 'How the heck do I make sense of this?' A personal librarian helps decode those assignments, explain expectations, and guide students toward the right resources.
Librarians also help students locate articles, books, databases, and research materials; start tough research topics; find the right campus office; and build confidence using university resources.
Librarians don’t just help with academic questions. They help students navigate college life.
"They can come chat with us about things going on in their life, their research, their studies, the classes they’re taking, or things they’re trying to figure out," Sullivan explains.
One of the biggest challenges new students face is simply understanding how to ask the right question. Librarians are trained to read between the lines and help students get to the heart of what they really need.
The Personal Librarian Program embodies Alfred University’s focus on mentorship, individualized support, and student success. It ensures that no student has to navigate the academic transition from high school to college alone.
"We can be one of the people in their lives, part of their network, to really help them succeed in their studies here," Sullivan says.
