The University of Kansas Libraries

Dean's Message, Spring 2009

Welcome to KU Libraries, a division of Information Services.

As we enter this new semester, I want to update you on some exciting new projects and priorities throughout KU Libraries.

First of all, I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the revitalization efforts recently completed on the third floor of Watson Library. From a new TV monitor keeping you up-to-date on campus and library news, to comfortable new seating areas, change is all around us.

Our new user-oriented service desk is staffed with helpful librarians working to ensure you have the resources and information you need. Walk over to the west end of the third floor, and you’ll see a brand new, multi-media exhibits gallery.

While these updates are exciting, they are  far from over. We will be working hard to re-envision the east end of the third floor, creating a more open, welcoming space complete with new ergonomic work stations.

Up on Watson’s fourth floor, you’ll see work begin on the new Center for Scholars, a collaborative project with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The center will be a new home base for data analysis and other service points critical to advancing research on this campus and beyond.

Over at Anschutz Library, we will begin work on the Learning Commons, an exciting new project between Information Services and Student Success. This new, student-focused center will integrate library, information technology and student success services and resources in an environment that encourages learning through inquiry, collaboration, discussion and consultation.

Both projects involve expanded partnerships with our colleagues in Information Technology. Together, we are finding new and innovative ways to improve our service delivery so you have a positive, productive and rewarding experience, whether you find yourself in one of our branch libraries, or accessing one of our many online databases from home.

And because we know many of you do value increased access to library holdings from offsite, we are pleased to share news of our new Digital Collections Task Force, a group of staff and librarians creating a systematic and thoughtful way to support teaching and research through the digitization of specific collections.

This semester will bring unprecedented change to KU Libraries. But, one thing remains the same: our commitment for providing excellent service quality.

Best of luck this spring semester from KU Libraries, your partner in education.

For more information about KU Libraries, see www.lib.ku.edu.

lorraine j. haricombe
Dean of Libraries

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