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The Olive Tree

Message from the Director


This academic year has been one of challenges and successes. Fogler Library continues to grow in depth and provide new collections and more services for the University community. We were fortunate to recently acquire two new databases, Project MUSE and JSTOR, which you can read about in our cover story. These additional databases give our users access to new journal issues as well as the back issues of many titles. We are also in the process of implementing a product called Serials Solution. This software allows us to maintain a list of all journals to which we have access, both in paper or electronically. Users will be able to search or browse the list to quickly locate and use the collections.


A quick look around the library reveals several other new services. The Interlibrary Loan Department has introduced desktop delivery of articles and material scanning. The delivery of journal articles to users' computer desktops allows them to access the articles directly from their workstations and speeds up the delivery time. Several faculty are already using our scanning service as a way to preserve their research records. The librarians in both our Reference Department and Science and Engineering Center are using the real time Virtual Reference Librarian software to chat directly with students and faculty. These online discussions allow our reference staff to provide advice and assistance for a variety of research needs. The new Collaborative Media Lab is nearing completion. This Collaborative Lab will be open to any student or faculty member who wants to use the equipment and software. 


We will continually look for creative ways to provide materials and services. Even as we strive to keep pace with new library technologies, we are mindful of the fact that it is the human element that really brings these services to our users. Fogler is fortunate to have a staff with a strong commitment to service and a depth of knowledge and experience. 
The long awaited completion of the terrace and the reopening of the front doors of the library took place on January 12 in time for the start of our spring semester. Although more work is needed on the front doors before they are fully accessible it is good to have the terrace repaired and our main entrance once again available. 


The 2003-2204 academic year was a busy and successful time at Fogler Library. I hope some of you will have the opportunity to visit us - to see the services and to meet our staff. I would enjoy giving you a tour of the library. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. I hope you are pleased with what we are doing and that you will continue to support us into the future.

Home | Olive Tree | Summer 2004