The University Libraries is so much more than a place to check out books and study. From technology lending to a wide variety of workshops to departmental librarians with extensive knowledge of disciplinary information, students, faculty, and staff have access to countless resources and experts that can take their academic experience to the next level.
Below are some new and updated offerings that the CMU community is encouraged to take advantage of this spring.
De Fer Coffee and Tea
If the excited buzz and bustle of activity on the first floor of Hunt Library are anything to go by, much of the CMU community is already aware that De Fer Coffee and Tea has reopened in the Maggie Murph Café following a renovation this fall. The refreshed space offers an expanded counter, updated seating, and even the perfect atmosphere to get in some last-minute studying or catch up with friends.
If you haven’t yet stopped by, take a moment to rediscover the magic of this alumni-founded business with a sustainably-sourced specialty coffee, blended loose tea, or a simple-yet-tasty house-made treat.
Trials and Subscriptions
Sage Explorer — Sage Explorer is an easy-to-use gateway to thousands of pieces of authoritative content, covering every stage of social science learning and research. It allows faculty and students to explore all Sage Learning Resources, including materials that support teaching, research, methods instruction, and interdisciplinary learning. This campus-wide trial runs through May 1, 2026.
As a reminder, the Libraries also offers access to a number of other digital resources, including journals and newspapers like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and New York Times.
Posner Center Study Spaces
It’s been a busy spring for the recently renovated Posner Center for Special Collections, with the opening of its inaugural exhibition, a full slate of Open Stacks events, multiple class sessions offering students a hands-on glimpse into the collections, and more. With open hours Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and extended hours Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m., the Posner Center is also a great study space that students are invited to take advantage of between classes.
Housed in an earth-sheltered building beneath the Kraus Campo rooftop garden, the Posner Center is bright, welcoming, and accessible. Just inside the entrance, an array of seating options are available for use. Of course, visitors are welcome to engage with the exhibition and connect with staff like Curator of Special Collections Sam Lemley and Special Collections Coordinator Catherine Blauvelt as well.
“The Posner Center is a quiet oasis in such a convenient central campus location,” said Special Collections Coordinator Catherine Blauvelt. “Whether you’re looking for a moment to relax, a place to connect with peers, or a stroke of inspiration from one of our displays, we want the entire community to feel welcomed and at home in the space.”
Picture File
Many CMU community members have had the chance to experience Arts and Humanities Librarian Jill Chisnell’s zine cart, and she’s shared her ephemera with international audiences across North America. On a daily basis, visitors to Hunt can stop by the Picture File to access similar materials — everything from old book and magazine cutouts, beautiful images of art, design and architecture, fashion and pop culture from more recent magazines like “Vogue” and “Variety,” and more. Categories range from animals to art to maps, buildings and transportation.
Located on the fourth floor between the paper cutter and the public computers, the Picture File takes the form of a vertical filing cabinet and also contains surplus craft supplies and curiosities such as floppy disks, 35mm slides and negatives, old postcards, and textiles. Everything is freely available for users to take and use for creative projects (like crafts, collage, junk journaling, and vision boards), inspiration, or even dorm room decor. It is not necessary to return any cutouts pulled from the Picture File.
Chisnell curates a selection of plates and pages of vintage materials from her personal collections and keeps the files organized, and Hunt’s student workers regularly populate the files during downtime. Everyone is welcome to use materials from the Picture File to add to the community collage titled “Second Life,” also on the fourth floor.