Fogler Library Friends - The OliveTree

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1, SPRING 2011

Message from Dean Joyce Rumery

As winter gives way to spring I am very pleased to write to you and let you know about Fogler Library, the projects we have underway and our plans for the future. The spring semester is busy with the needs of our students and faculty as they prepare for their classes and conduct their research. We are also looking for ways to expand our collections and services by working in partnerships with other libraries, utilizing technological solutions where appropriate. We look forward to the coming of summer, welcoming the opportunity to be able to work on projects that will continue to enrich the library for our users.

This semester we are very pleased to have the air conditioning project begin. This work will be ongoing through May and will result in better climate control in many areas of the library. One section will provide much needed preservation level climate control that will be used by Special Collections to house some of their materials. Staff offices will have air conditioning, as will a large portion of the first floor. This will be a significant improvement in the building during the summer for both the staff and our users. We are grateful for the help and guidance of UMaine’s Facilities Management Department with this important project.

We have also added OneSearch, a new online service that will help students with their database searching. OneSearch provides a single search box that initiates an instant search across the resources of the library. This service will be a useful starting point for our undergraduates and for others who are beginning their research. The OneSearch option is in addition to the way that users access our resources now, so experienced searchers will still be able to search their subject databases with no change.

We have also begun offering electronic books that are available 24/7 through the catalog. Currently our users have access to more than 100,000 scholarly titles and we expect this collection to grow. In addition, we participate in a state-wide collection of popular audio and e-books. The Download Library allows the user to select an audio or e-book title to download to their e-reader or audio player.

This newsletter gives you some highlights about the library and the services we offer. It is only a small representation of the collections and services we provide, but it showcases the outstanding work done by the staff. Please do come and visit us. You have a standing invitation for a tour of the building, an opportunity to meet the staff and view the collections and services, and perhaps we can talk about the library over a cup of coffee or lunch. Call 581-1655 to make arrangements. You may also visit us virtually at http://library.umaine.edu/. I hope you are pleased with what we are doing and that you will continue to support us into the future. Thank you.

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