The library provides access to millions of print and electronic materials, accessed through our discovery tool, Primo. Through Primo, users can connect to books, journal articles, government documents, patents, primary sources, streaming video and audio titles, and images. We subscribe to many discipline-based databases as well, providing access to a wide range of materials for research and teaching. The Library also expands users' access to information resources through organizations, consortia, and cooperative projects including the Center for Research Libraries and Eastern Academic Scholars' Trust (EAST).
The primary purpose of the general collection is to support the Union College curriculum. All majors and minors are supported by a balanced mix of library-owned resources and resources accessible through arrangements with other colleges and organizations. Individual student research projects, especially senior theses and other advanced projects, are also supported through the purchase of materials, if they are reasonably priced and they are not readily available through resource sharing. Individual faculty research projects, beyond those related to curricular development, are normally supported through resource sharing. If the library can’t obtain material through resources sharing, it will consider purchase, depending on the scope or scale of material and price.
Schaffer Library's collections include a number of cultural and recreational titles that may fall outside strict disciplinary bounds. The Current Reading Area and Schaffer Reads collections contain current fiction and nonfiction, contemporary creative works of note, and titles relevant to current events and issues.
A variety of popular and documentary videos, music titles, newspapers, and graphic novels are also acquired in support of campus activities and user interests, and these materials can be found throughout the circulating and online collections.
Schaffer Library participates in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Learn more about the FDLP program at Schaffer Library.