Strong response to library appeal

Alumni

Since its launch in April, more than 475 donors have given to the 2009 Barr Smith Library Appeal, raising more than $79,000 to support the University of Adelaide's Barr Smith Library.

For over 75 years, the Barr Smith Library has served the University of Adelaide and wider community. In that time, thousands of students, staff and members of the general public have worked and studied within its walls.

University Librarian Ray Choate said he was pleased with the generous response to the 2009 Appeal so far.

"In the current economic downturn, meeting the costs of maintaining the Barr Smith Library is more challenging than ever," he said.

The average donation to the 2009 Appeal is $165, an increase on last year's average, which he said was remarkable given the current financial climate.

"It is especially gratifying that our appeal donors understand that there is increased pressure on the Library's capacity to purchase books and journals and that more dollars are needed to provide a similar level of library resources for research and students.

"It is clear that the global financial crisis has not lessened the value placed on education," Mr Choate said.

Now in its eighth year, the Appeal has provided a vital source of funds for the Library and its diverse collection of over 2.3 million items, and has raised a valuable total of more than $500,000 in that time.

"This support plays a critical role in ensuring that the University's iconic Library continues to make an important qualitative difference to the resources the Library can offer to our students, staff and the members of the wider community who come through our doors, or visit us online, every day.

"The Library is delighted to be able to continue to provide up-to-date and relevant information for the University's students and staff as well as the general public, who are welcome to join the Library," Mr Choate said.

A popular feature in this year's appeal has been the Barr Smith Library Memory Book. Alumni have enjoyed sharing a varied collection of memories, photographs and even poetry in an online setting.

For more information about the Barr Smith Library Appeal, or to make a donation, please contact Paul Finn, via email at: paul.finn@adelaide.edu.au, phone +61 8 8303 4275 or visit: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/bsl

Story by Connie Dutton