Hello everyone,

This morning we have some good news—we have been advised by the Provost’s Office that we will be getting funds restored to us that were cut from our collections budget for FY18, the fiscal year we are in now.  This will enable us NOT to have to make the terrible serials cuts that were planned.  We don’t know the exact amount yet, but I will share it as soon as possible. Of course we will continue to manage our collections budget to the most advantage we can to support research and scholarly work.

In other news, the Libraries are hosting some donors this Friday morning, who MAY make a major gift in the future to help us add a digital media/makerspace area.  You may see us touring around the Info Commons and West Reference.  If you’re over there at that time, be your cheerful, busy selves.

We also have the new Chancellor, Alex Cartwright, scheduled to speak at our Oct. 10 Staff Advisory Group meeting at 10 am in Ellis 114A.  Plan now to attend! Watch for the meeting notice.

I’m hoping for good news soon on building the extension to UMLD1.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Notices have gone out to those appointed to Library committees this year.  LMT did some revision to the committee structure, and the Exhibits Committee and Marketing Committee now don’t have appointees other than the people whose work relates to the groups.  We have discontinued the Faculty Lecture Series Committee also. Thanks to all who volunteered to serve on the committees we have, which help us do our work.

Information has gone out on the memorial service for Debbie Melvin.  I know you all join me in offering condolences to her family.  This has been a tough year, to lose two long-time staff.  Karla Geerlings has been gone less than six months, and of course lives on in our memories.  Work is a big part of most people’s lives, and the Libraries are very fortunate to have dedicated staff who have stayed with us for many years.  Let’s all be thankful for each other as we move into another academic year.

Ann