No visitor could doubt that the Queens Borough Library is a contributor to the educational, cultural, and economic vitality of the community. And this is just one of more than 7,700 libraries, which are only one element of the University. What the visitors saw at this particular library was extreme urgency, hunger for knowledge, a diverse population that depends heavily on that library, a mix of technology that many people would not expect, and connections with many other institutions. Most parts of the University are not like that today, but everywhere I see people working hard and with imagination to lift performance. Every part of the University is changing.
Schools are mid-way through the most recent campaign to raise standards and student achievement.
Libraries have a ten-part strategy to renew library services for all New Yorkers. All teacher education programs are changing to meet new standards. The State Museum is completing phase one of a capital campaign and advocating for funds to complete the task. The University is changing in other ways that cross boundaries. People are more likely to see the connections between elements of the University.