From the Dean

Greetings, dear readers and library supporters –

As I write this, students are filling every nook and cranny of the Guerrieri Academic Commons, studying for finals. Tension levels are high. We are open 24/5 the last week of the semester and finals week; although, honestly, I would prefer that students would go home and get a good night’s sleep. But we accommodate all types, and many students prefer to study late at night. We have tried to ease the students’ stress through providing hot drinks and treats most evenings; creating a “Relaxation Station” with Lego blocks, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and other activities; having the Finals Fairy hide small gifts around the library; and, new this spring, creating an outdoor obstacle course on our terrace.

We appreciate the support of donors who have given to the SU Libraries this year. You enable us to do the extras, such as our de-stress activities during finals detailed above, and also other activities such as buying textbooks for our “Textbooks on Reserve” project, working with student organizations on diversity, equity and inclusion-related collections, awarding course enhancement grants and student prizes, and supporting staff development to help our staff keep up with the ever-changing world of libraries and academia. Thank you!

We also appreciate the support of SU’s faculty and staff, who work with us in myriad ways, some of which you can read about in this newsletter. We could not reach so many students, develop our collections or conduct many of our activities without them. Thank you!

Finally, I also acknowledge the Libraries’ faculty and staff. Whether full time or part time, whether student worker or professional, whether in the main library, the Curriculum Resource Center or the Nabb Center, the people here are deeply committed to serving SU and the community and devote considerable energy, intelligence, creativity, knowledge and skill to the task. It is an incredible privilege for me to work with them. Thank you!

It has been a hard year for our students, faculty and staff, and, I am guessing, for you as well. We are looking forward to enjoying a quiet summer on campus and welcoming students new and old this fall. May your summer and fall be healthy and happy!

Enjoy!