Personal Librarian: Diane Kaplan

Hi everyone.  I am happy to be a personal librarian for  Silliman College freshmen.  I'm technically not a librarian but an archivist in the Manuscripts and Archives  department, where I have worked for over thirty-five years.  Currently I am the head of public services, providing reference and researcher education.  Our collections of primary sources are broad and diverse.  I encourage you to come learn what unique resources are available to you here and in all of Yale's many special collections. 

I do not have actual office hours, but you can usually count on finding me in the reference center in Manuscripts and Archives (the first door on your left when you enter Sterling Memorial Library through the Wall St. entrance).  Look for me on  Tuesdays from 10:15 am until noon and on Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, no appointment necessary.  I can also meet with you at another time, if you prefer.   I respond to e-mail and to messages left on my phone too, though not usually during evening hours or on weekends.

How can I help you?

• I will keep you informed with periodic e-mail messages highlighting new resources and programs specifically for students, as well as with notices and timely reminders, such as extended Library hours during Reading Week and finals
• I will answer your questions about Library policies, procedures and services, such as RefWorks workshops and Borrow Direct
• I can assist with finding information for your research assignments, by helping you articulate your research question, identify the best sources, and formulate your search strategies
• I can also support you even when you’re not around (on vacation or away from Yale doing research)

• When you don’t know where to start or you can’t think of what to do next, I can help

But I won't:

• Set up your computer (i.e. NetIDs, VPN)
• Do your research, make photocopies or write your paper for you