NCSU Libraries Focus Online

Volume 28 number 1 - Fall 2007

Friends of the Library News: President's Column

By Cyma Rubin, President, Friends of the Library Board of Directors

We were all in it from the beginning. It wouldn't have happened if we all didn't share the vision that the old library needed a cosmetic facelift. The combined effort made it possible for our fearless library leaders, students, Friends of the Library, and outside donors, to bring to fruition an exquisitely renovated D. H. Hill Library. Like the seductive call of the Lorelei, students and faculty are drawn to their new home, which offers expansive resources, state of the art technology, recreational programming, stunning decor, and a place to think and be nourished. It's the payoff to the future of what we will leave behind.

So where do we go from here?

We're exploring new and innovative ways to make use of the library space. Opening on October 12 is an extraordinary exhibition, THE AMERICAN SOLDIER, A Photographic Tribute. The 116 greatly enlarged photographs cover nine wars, from the Civil War to the war in Iraq. It's about the foot soldier, the infantry; their courage, camaraderie, honor, and ultimate sacrifice. It will be on view until January 11, 2008.

This exhibition offers more than an emotional walk through our war history. It serves to proudly honor the NCSU alumni who served our country in many of the battles on view and those who are serving today. We are dedicating the exhibition to these veterans and soldiers. The Friends of the Library and students will offer a special tribute to them, at the opening of the exhibition.

The plan I started at the Carousel of Knowledge kickoff event last year, which focused on bringing students closer to the library, seems to have taken root. The student advisory group is actively working with Susan Nutter. We recruited student feedback to our blog, asking for comments on the new Learning Commons. Their response helped us make improvements in all areas. Most important, we are keeping in touch.

I want to start off my second year by establishing a Student Life Enrichment Fund. Students are spending more and more time in the library, so they need diverse programs, refreshments, video games, and music. To launch the fund drive, I would ask the lead donors to join with a student enrichment committee. Working together, I'm sure that this fund will take off.

I've loved my first year as president, and I can't wait for the second.