As new graduates begin their lives and careers beyond Carnegie Mellon, they retain access to many resources and programming opportunities at the University Libraries. From browsing stacks in physical locations to virtually touring exhibits and attending events, here are all the ways alumni can stay connected and continue to benefit from the Libraries’ offerings.
Browsing and Borrowing
Alumni are welcome to browse and use physical collections of books, bound journals, newspapers, and microfilm while visiting any library locations.
Alumni can also check out books — up to ten items for 30 days with one renewal — with a Special Borrower Card. These cards are available to alumni at a 33% discount, for $50 per year.
The Career Collection in particular is a resource that can offer valuable insight to alumni entering the professional world. Learn what the experts have to say on topics like interviewing and networking, management and leadership, public speaking and communication, and DEI in the workplace.
Technology Access
Alumni have access to the Libraries’ computers and electronic databases in library locations. A guest pass provides access to these resources for two hours at a time.
To obtain a guest pass, present valid photo ID at a circulation desk.
Workshops
Libraries workshops are designed to help attendees learn a new skill, deepen their understanding of a specific topic, or gain exposure to an unfamiliar technology, tool, or technique. They cover data literacy, coding, humanities skills, research best practices, and much more. Workshops are available at no charge to the entire Carnegie Mellon community, including alumni.
Fall workshops will be announced at the beginning of the semester and can be found on this calendar. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot.
Exhibitions
The Libraries’ exhibition program is free and open to the public, and that includes alumni. Exhibitions highlight treasures from Distinctive Collections and interdisciplinary collaborations across campus. Past exhibitions have celebrated the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, the work of the Robotics Project, and 100+ years of Buggy. Alumni can even take virtual tours through past exhibitions.
Right now, the fourth floor of Hunt Library features the exhibit “Here to Stay: Celebrating 40 Years at the Architecture Archives.” For the past 40 years, the Architecture Archives collections at Carnegie Mellon University have documented thousands of projects and the work of hundreds of designers. This wide diversity of materials — preliminary sketches, renderings, specifications, photographs, publications, and architectural models — helps piece together the rich history of Pittsburgh and the region.
A new exhibition will open in the Hunt Library Gallery in the fall, so check back in the coming months for exciting new content.
Events
Throughout the year, the Libraries presents a diverse offering of events that alumni are welcome to attend. This includes in-person events like the campus-wide Three Minute Thesis competition, hackathons elevating research on campus, and a Carnival celebration of the interdisciplinary innovation happening at IDeATe, as well as virtual events like the annual Constitution Day lecture and the Fine and Rare series highlighting items in Special Collections. For those unable to attend live, many events are recorded and posted on the Libraries’ YouTube channel.
Whether recent graduates are staying in Pittsburgh or exploring opportunities around the globe, there are many chances throughout the year to participate in Libraries programming. Stay up to date on upcoming events by subscribing to the Libraries’ monthly newsletter.
Additional Spaces
For alumni visiting campus and looking for a way to wind down or make new connections, don’t forget about additional Libraries spaces like De Fer Coffee & Tea and the Sustainability Studio.
Feature image: Librarian Sarah Young assists a student at a GitHub workshop in Hunt Library.
by Sarah Bender, Communications Coordinator