RIT Libraries

Hello! I’m Shani, the Ismar David Visiting Assistant Curator. I joined team Cary (RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection) last year, just before the library shut down during COVID. I’ve been working closely with the Ismar David Collection, cataloguing the Hebrew Wood Type collection, teaching classes on typography and graphic design using the Cary’s materials and constantly learning more about the fascinating world of rare libraries. As it happens, I’m also a matchmaker. I volunteer in the Alphabettes Mentorship Program and help connect between mentees and mentors in the fields of type, typography, and the lettering arts.

I think a career in librarianship suits me perfectly for two main reasons: 1 I get to wear many different hats (I’m never bored) 2 I love to help people from all walks of life Over this past year, my first at RIT, I can definitely say I’ve not been bored and I’ve been able to help lots of RIT folks: I’ve taught classes and assisted professors, I’ve met with students and consulted with various research projects and library skills, and I’ve become part of an amazing team a...t RIT Libraries all while in a pandemic and working from home! I’ve learned so much and am certain the future holds great things. After this year, I know I can handle anything and have a wonderful, rewarding time doing it! This is Cami signing off for RIT Libraries.

Hey, RIT! I’m Cami Goldowitz, and I’m the librarian for the RIT College of Liberal Arts. I started working at RIT a week before it shut down due to COVID, so my first year has been rather unusual but I love it! As the COLA librarian, I assist students and faculty with their library needs such as research, locating resources, teaching classes, and with a variety of library skills. When I’m not working, you can find me taking or teaching yoga, swimming laps at the Y, in my garden, or outside with my dog, Phoebe. I really look forward to being able to spend more time on campus so that I can interact with RIT folks in person!

Have you ever wondered how a library actually works? This summer, our staff will be taking you behind the scenes of RIT Libraries and sharing their perspectives of what libraries are all about. Stay tuned!

As RIT faculty prepare to teach online and blended courses this semester, check out our InfoGuide for e-books, articles, and other e-resources about online course design, instruction, and accessibility. https://infoguides.rit.edu/onlineresources

For the inquisitive reader, RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection associate curator Amelia recommends 'Stuff Matters: The Strange Stories of the Marvelous Materials that Shape Our Man-made World' by Mark Miodownik: "This is a book for those curious about the basic raw materials that we take for granted in daily life like paper, plastic, steel, glass, etc. It’s written in an informal, jokey style by a scientistbut it’s not a text book! I read excerpts of this book to my teenage ki...ds so we could dip our toes into 'lite' thinking about chemistry and engineering. Its passages still cross my mind when I traverse a concrete sidewalk or use a graphite pencil." Check it out from RIT Libraries: https://albert.rit.edu/record=b3261525

If you're into historical fiction, our senior staff accountant Becky recommends the novel 'Victoria' by Author Daisy Goodwin: "Victoria is captivating and brings Queen Victoria to life. The author takes the reader through some difficult life transitions while still keeping the factual integrity of the Queen’s life and that era intact. And she does so in a well-written, enjoyable way. I think this book is best enjoyed under a comfortable blanket with a cup of tea (or cocoa or coffee!) on a chill winter day."

Campus will be closing at 2:00pm today for the holiday break. Wallace Library will re-open on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 8:00am. We wish you all a safe and restful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.

As 2020 comes to a close, let’s take a look at what RIT Tigers were reading this year. Here are some of our most checked out books and most downloaded open-access works this year.

Craving some adventure? Our web developer Aaron recommends 'The Invisible Library' by Genevieve Cogman: "This spy thriller revolves around finding books from different realities. There’s a lot of mystery, intrigue, and some fun fantasy elements. It’s a series now with 6 books... 7th coming soon! This book is best enjoyed with a cup of tea somewhere cozy, maybe with a crackling fire nearby."