Seton Hall Libraries: Upgrades, Innovative Programs and Dynamic Initiatives for Fall

As the fall semester gets underway, Seton Hall University Libraries continue to serve as the vibrant hub for research, collaboration and student success across all three campuses. From welcoming new physical spaces and expanded technology services to a slate of workshops, exhibits and AI literacy initiatives, the Libraries are continuously evolving to meet the needs of the University community.

Enhancing Student Spaces and Campus Footprint
Building on a bustling academic year in 2025–2026 that saw more than 330,000 visitors and 16,000 group study room checkouts, the Libraries are making key enhancements to further enrich the student experience this year.

Visitors to Walsh Library will immediately notice an upgraded Circulation Desk on the second floor, plus new carpeting in an open and welcoming entrance. Looking ahead, additional upgrades are on the horizon, with new furniture planned for the Information Commons over the spring semester.

Accessibility remains top of mind on every level of the building. On the first floor, easy access to the Innovation Hub ensures students can seamlessly connect with the IT support they need to keep their academic work moving forward. On the second floor, the popular Leisure Collection continues to grow with current best-selling novels — a resource enjoyed by over 300 student checkouts last year.

Digital Resources, Research Tools and Backend Innovation
While foot traffic in the building remains high, the Libraries’ digital reach extends even further. The library website features access to over 550 databases, as well as specialized Research Guides tailored to every academic discipline. These guides generated over 400,000 views last year, serving as essential toolkits for students and faculty embarking on research projects.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of 41 faculty, staff and administrators is constantly refining digital infrastructure to make systems more efficient, accessible and discoverable. The team is assisted by 12 essential student workers who across Circulation, the Dean’s Office, InterLibrary Loan and Special Collections and Archives, and they receive hands-on experience tailored to their personal interests and professional goals.

Cutting-Edge Learning: AI Literacy, High-Throughput Computing and 3D Health Science
The Libraries are at the forefront of emerging technologies in higher education. Central to this semester's focus is a major initiative in AI Literacy, helping faculty and students thoughtfully navigate the complex landscape of AI in research. The fall workshop series kicks off on September 15, and will introduce foundational AI concepts while emphasizing understanding, critical thinking, ethical considerations and practical applications for learners across all disciplines.

For advanced research computing, upcoming hands-on sessions and workshops will introduce the Open Science Pool, a national shared resource offering free, high-throughput computing capacity to campus researchers.

Students preparing for careers in health and medical fields can also leverage Anatomy.tv, an interactive online resource for studying human anatomy. Featuring hundreds of 3D models, animations, dissections and VR capabilities compatible with a wide range of headsets, this tool brings complex biological concepts to life.

Skill-Building Workshops and Creative Outlets
The popular Walsh Wednesday Workshops return this semester, addressing core competencies for academic success, such as Finding Data, Copyright and Permissions (an excellent resource for graduate students authoring theses and dissertations) and How to Conduct a Literature Review.

Beyond academics, the Libraries are also introducing the Craft in the Commons Series to foster student well-being and community. Designed as a relaxing space to unwind, reflect and create, sessions include the recent Techo Kaigi and upcoming Craft in the Commons: Zine Workshop.

Upcoming Exhibits and Cultural Initiatives
The Archives, Special Collections and Walsh Gallery side of the Libraries has announced a rich lineup of fall exhibitions and events:

• The Art of Community: The Wang Fangyu Collection of Asian Art: Highlighting Seton Hall’s collection of Asian art amassed by former professor, calligrapher and scholar Wang Fangyu, this exhibit features a rare scroll conserved by an expert at the Cleveland Museum of Art through a grant from Essex County. Learn more about the exhibition on the Gallery landing page.
• Fulton J. Sheen Exhibit: In partnership with the Seminary Library, this exhibit honors Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen ahead of his beatification on September 24. Featuring previously unreleased materials—including a newly digitized audio recording—the exhibit offers a unique look at the iconic broadcaster. Explore the Digital StoryMap Exhibit or view the physical collection on display at the Seminary Library through the end of 2026.
• Celebration of African Texts and Textiles (October 19): An upcoming open house will showcase late-1960s West African textiles collected by retired Seton Hall Librarian Richard Stern during his time in the Peace Corps. The event will feature kente cloth and insights from Reverend Forrest Pritchett, Ph.D., alongside Sana Mirza, Ph.D., an expert on sub-Saharan African book arts, who will discuss an Ethiopian mystical text acquired by the library in 2023.
• Time Machines Scholars Program: This fall, a new cohort of undergraduate scholars enters the archives. Through the Time Machines Program, selected students conduct a year-long, deep-dive study of a single archival object or text, culminating in a creative or analytical project.

Whether seeking quiet study spaces, expert research assistance, engaging cultural exhibits or cutting-edge technology, students and faculty alike are invited to discover all that Seton Hall University Libraries have to offer this fall.

Categories: Arts and Culture