Some of the new and returning students also work in the Libraries, Audiovisual Services, or Archives and the staff would like to acknowledge their role in helping the Libraries run smoothly. We thank them for their hard work and creativity, for without them our doors would literally close. Less pleasant, external pressures on the Library must also be noted. Our students are becoming web aficionados and their expectations of the new information technologies are increasing dramatically, at a rate faster than libraries can meet. They want to obtain copies of journal articles and books with the click of a button in their homes and offices, quickly and easily, while libraries struggle to supply the limited numbers of books, journal articles, and electronic subscriptions they can afford.
Difficult times require new strategies.
Creative methods for resource sharing and the use of consortium-negotiated subscription prices are becoming important tools in any library s toolkit, together with the support of friends, both on campus and off. As a result, students can search and print copies of articles from the first journal issue up to about three years ago. Without both kinds of gifts, the Libraries would be far from the excellence that is our goal. We have much to be grateful for, and wish to thank all our Friends. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.