Publication Date

Spring 2012

Abstract

While climatologically our New England winter and spring have been unusual, the academic calendar continues on at a steady pace. February was again the time to celebrate the birthday of W.E.B. Du Bois with the 18th Annual Du Bois Lecture. We shared this lecture with the Springfield community and then also participated in the second annual tribute to Du Bois at the St. John’s Congregational Church in Springfield.

The 10th Annual Dinner with Friends recognized a new collaboration between Yankee Publishing and the Libraries. We are especially proud that this generations-old New England publishing icon has entrusted its archives to our Department of Special Collections and University Archives.

And now, for the tenth year, the falcons are back. But this year, thanks in great part to the Friends of the Library, our peregrine falcons have their own reality TV show at www.library.umass.edu/falcons. For the first time, we can watch the eggs hatch and anticipate the excitement of seeing the chicks as they grow and ultimately leave the nest.

Sustainability was the key word as we celebrated Earth Day this spring. UMass Amherst has a growing culture of sustainability – largely signified by the Gold STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™) award now displayed in the entry of the Du Bois Library. To support this campus effort, the Libraries have established a Sustainability Fund that will support collections and services related to the campus-wide dedication to sustainability.

Sustainability is also a key word for the Friends of the Library. It is only with your strong financial support that the Libraries are able to sustain these many exciting activities I’ve mentioned. We greatly appreciate your continued support and hope you understand how important each contribution, no matter how small, is for our continued success.

Jay Schafer

Director of Libraries

Share

COinS