University of Wisconsin-Parkside Library: What's New: January 2007

Welcome from the Director

Greetings from the University Library. During my interview with administrators, faculty and staff in July, one of them referred to the library as a jewel on campus. What makes this library so special? The Library has a collection of almost 395,000 volumes and a rapidly growing list of electronic resources that are available through the Internet. Over the last three years the “universal borrowing” service made it possible and convenient for our faculty and students to directly borrow from any UW System Library without ever leaving this campus, thus greatly increasing the richness of the collection and supporting and furthering the vision “One System, One Library”. Most importantly, we have a small, but excellent and knowledgeable staff to assist you with your teaching and research needs.

The Library connects the users with the world of knowledge: books, journals, e-journals, E-Books, databases, archival records, microforms, videos, cds, DVDs, digital resources and much more. The academic library is many things to many people. Over the last several years the “library as a place” concept has grown in popularity and many libraries are rethinking the layout and design of their space. We have modified our space to appreciate and accommodate different learning styles. There are quiet study areas for those who like it quiet, group study rooms for those who work on collaborative projects, plenty of open tables for those who like to spread out or study with their friends, even a few study carrels for those who prefer to study alone and like some privacy. Throughout the library, thanks to the Friends of the Library’s generosity, you will see attractive and comfortable furniture groupings to make you feel totally at home. Today’s academic library is a gathering place for the campus, it is an extension of the class room where formal and informal discourse takes place between faculty and students. Librarians partner with faculty to help students learn research skills, make the best use of relevant resources, efficiently navigate the Internet and learn how to evaluate these resources , “google” if they must, but with a clear understanding of what they would find and thus facilitating their critical thinking skills. Please bring your students, explore the collection, and talk to the librarians about an instruction session. One of our faculty members aptly and eloquently referred to the library instruction session for her class as “your help in our mutual journey to enhance student learning”.

My colleagues and I hope that you will use the rich resources and expertise of our librarians. I am a strong believer in providing excellent customer service and easy access to our vast resources while creating a welcoming and user-centered environment with a strong commitment to diversity. I welcome your comments and suggestions and look forward to meeting many of you in the near future (email: menon@uwp.edu; Tel: 595-2167).

Wish you all a great New Year!