Date:6 April 2001

Subject:Library Mission and Roles

To: Department Heads

From:William C. Robinson, Head of Libraries

As many of you know, public libraries have long chose particular roles to enhance their viability and popularity. For example, a public library may choose to be a "popular reading center," a "literacy center," or a "reading and educational center for children." The President, concerned with our declining use statistics, has suggested that we add to our traditional role that of "University cultural center."

Such a role would involve art in the library programs, including exhibits, concerts, readings, performances, and screenings as well as presentations by faculty and notable visitors.

While our auditorium is in good shape, some remodeling would be necessary to create reasonable exhibit areas and larger rooms for performances. Conference rooms 101 and 102 might be combined into a small auditorium for performances. One of the BI classrooms might be converted into a conference room for smaller meetings and presentations.

At our next staff meeting, I look forward to your thoughtful discussion of the President's suggestion. How should we respond? Can we adopt this new role without diluting our traditional role of providing access to information and instruction in how to identify, retrieve, and evaluate information. There are some political problems here so we need to be considered in our response.

----------------------------------------------------------------------