SUNY libraries are migrating to a new catalog, called Alma, in June, and Butler Library will spend the next six months preparing for the shift from its current catalog, Aleph. Throughout the spring semester and into the summer, library staff members will work on preparing patron data, migrating library resources, and configuring Alma.

Alma, like Aleph, was developed by ExLibris. Unlike Aleph, Alma is an integrated library services platform that manages print collections, electronic resources, and resource sharing. Alma will allow SUNY libraries to better share resources and will provide a more comprehensive catalog of the resources offered by Buffalo State.

Most library users do not interact frequently with Aleph itself. Access and discovery of library resources has long been made available through Summon. Summon provides a connection between print and electronic titles owned by Butler Library and the article-level results that most users search for.

Alma does not use Summon; it has its own search interface called Primo. Primo and Summon share many common elements, and those who are comfortable with searching in Summon will be equally comfortable in Primo.

Those who are interested in closely following the implementation of Alma and Primo may visit the library’s Alma Migration web page. Related announcements and updates will be published in the Daily Bulletin and elsewhere in the coming months. Butler Library can provide direct training for departments who could benefit from it. Please submit requests for training through the library’s web form, indicating PRIMO TRAINING as the course name and number.

Please bear in mind that migrations of this sort are challenging. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts on resource availability; however, some disruptions may occur. We thank you for your patience as we work through the process, especially during the immediate post-migration period in the summer of 2019, when we will be doing intensive cleanup.

Please direct questions to Joseph Riggie, associate librarian.

The spring 2019 Conversations in and out of the Disciplines series begins Friday, March 1, as Macy Todd, assistant professor of English, presents “Dispatches from the Kingdom of Shadows: Film and Video in the Age of Fiber Optics” at 3:00 p.m. in Ketchum Hall 320. A brief Q&A and short wine and cheese reception will follow. Everyone is welcome.

Please mark your calendars for the other talks this spring:

Andrea Guiati, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Modern and Classical Languages, will present “Bob Dylan: ‘The Protestiest Things He Has Protested against in His Protest Years’” on Friday, March 15.

Heather Maldonado, assistant provost for academic success and visiting associate professor of higher education administration, will present “Moving toward Equity in Higher Education: Perspectives for Faculty, Staff, and Students to Challenge Norms and Encourage Change” on Friday, April 19.

Patrick McGovern, associate professor of political science, will present “Crossing the Postmodern Divide: Trump, Truth, and Undergraduate Political Education” on Friday, May 3.

All talks begin at 3:00 p.m. in Ketchum Hall 320

The Conversations series was started 10 years ago by Ann Colley, SUNY Distinguished Professor Emerita of English, to “celebrate and draw attention to the research being done in various departments at Buffalo State College.” Over the years, colleagues from anthropology, art conservation, art history, biology, English, history, mathematics, philosophy, political science, and secondary education among others have shared their work with the Buffalo State and Buffalo communities.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has published an article on Phishing that is especially for faculty. If you do not have time to read the article now, please save the link and read it soon. The article features a faculty member from SUNY Albany who was phished. The title of the article is "Phishing Scam Targets Professors' Desires to Please Their Deans—All for $500 in Gift Cards."

Please join us for the PDS Consortium meeting on Friday, February 1, from 7:45 to 10:00 a.m. at Buffalo Public School 99, Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center, 1095 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208. Enjoy presentations on the following:

• Sharing Best Practices: Trauma-Informed Schooling
• Sharing Best Practices: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program
• International Collaboration through the Global Literacy Project

We hope to see you there. Please e-mail Keli Garas-York, associate professor of elementary education, literacy, and educational leadership, with questions.

Have you been wondering what a password manager is or which one to use? Information Technology recommends that you use a password manager, but we don't recommend one over another. You may wish to review these lists of best password managers for 2019 from CNET, PC Mag, or Digital Trends. Or you can Google "2019 best password managers."

Android users should read this article from PCWorld, "How to secure, protect, and completely lock down your Android phone."

General information on how to find your phone:

"Find, lock, or erase a lost Android device"

"If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen"

Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2019 Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). CSTEP strives to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students pursuing careers leading to professional licensure or professions in mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields. A limited number of opportunities are available for books, KAPLAN scholarships, access to national conferences, and paid internships and research opportunities. CSTEP students will have access to workshops and panels. Students may pick up an application in South Wing 210. For more information, call 878-4197, e-mail CSTEP, or visit the CSTEP web page.

From the Chair of the College Senate
Reports to the College Senate are posted on the College Senate website. The most recent reports are from the December 14, 2018, Senate meeting.

Podcasts serve as the official audio record of each College Senate meeting. If you missed a Senate meeting and want to catch up, podcasts are posted to the Senate's podcasts web page. Senate meeting summaries are posted to the website after they are presented to the Senate.

College Senate meetings for the spring 2019 semester will be held on the following dates. All meetings will be held on Fridays at 3:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 215 unless otherwise noted.

February 8
March 8
April 12
May 10

The College Senate Office is located in Cleveland Hall 211. Joseph Marren, professor of communication, serves as chair of the College Senate for the 2018–2019 academic year. Please stop by the office, call 878-5139, or e-mail Vincent Masci, assistant to the College Senate, with questions or for general information.

It isn't too early to think about the 2019–2020 academic year. Fall 2019 scholarship applications are available in the CAPS (Campus Application Portal for Scholarships) portal. Students may apply for fall 2019 scholarships until Wednesday, May 1.