Announcements

Library MetaSearch

Library MetaSearch is a new integrated search interface that allows researchers to find articles, books, videos, and other sources in one search.  The Basic Search option lets you do a general search or focus on the subject area or type of source that you need.  The Advanced Search option lets experienced users customize their searches by picking the combination of subjects or databases that best suits their research.  You can access MetaSearch from the library website.

Student Survey Results

Results of the library's 2008 Student Survey are now available.  Some highlights:

  • 57% of students report using the library more than once a week
  • 83-90% of students report they are "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the library services they use the most
  • Students' top priorities for the future of the library are a 24 hour study area and expanded hours, followed by enhanced technology, more group study spaces, a multimedia lab, and a cafe

Results of the survey are already being used in planning the future of the library.

Online Catalog Upgrades

The library's online catalog has been upgraded with new search options.  Keyword searching has been enhanced, and keyword search results are now ranked by relevance.  Catalog searches have also been integrated into Library MetaSearch.

Building, Furniture, and Technology

Library computer lab 327 and classroom 115 have a new look for the new academic year.  Both computer labs and the research area have all new pcs with 19" monitors.  The library will also be adding new study furniture in several areas this year--look for new study chairs, tables, and casual seating.

Classics Donation

The Classics Department has received a donation of 4,000 books and journals on Greek and Roman history, language, and literature from Robert, Michelle, and Celeste Wilhelm.  These include both new volumes and many rare books from the 18th and 19th centuries collected by Robert and Michelle during their time on the faculty of the classics department of Miami University of Ohio.  Combined, this generous gift is assessed at approximately $200,000 in value.  Parts of the collection will be housed in the archives, library, and classics department and made available to students, faculty, and other researchers.

Director Elected to State Offices

John Payne, Director of Library and Information Services, has been elected to two statewide offices.  In April he was elected president of the Vermont Consortium of Academic Libraries, which supports higher education in Vermont by providing enhanced access to information resources for study, teaching, research, and scholarship, for 2008-09.  In May he was elected vice president/president elect of the Vermont Library Association, which works to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and librarianship in the state of Vermont.  He will serve as vice president in 2008-09 and president in 2009-10.


 

Announcements from Summer 2008

Maintained by John Payne