These funds contribute significantly to making available valuable geology information resources to University of Texas students and faculty, as well as to researchers and corporations within Texas and the Southwest. Investment proceeds from this endowment provide major supplemental support for acquisitions for the Walter Geology Library. Tobin International Geological Library Fund Established in 1980 by Tobin Research of San Antonio, this fund provides all materials funds for the Geology Library map collection. All other materials are received through depository or exchange programs. The Tobin Fund has permitted the Geology Library to acquire some outstanding map materials and atlases that would have been impossible to acquire otherwise.
Investment proceeds from the endowment also support staff assistance five hours per week.
This assistance has enabled the Library to catalog a major portion of the collection. Investment proceeds from the endowment have also been used to support the purchase of equipment, furniture, and supplies for the Map Room. This fund has grown out of a recent fund drive. Income from this fund was first spent in 1995. The fund, endowed by Mrs. Laura Barrow and her son, Dr. Thomas Barrow, supports the purchase of periodicals, most especially those relating to petroleum.