Listed on page 8 are 160 named library endowments that have received matching funds from the WVU Research Corporation challenge grant. In addition, more than 110 book endowments have also been established within the named library endowments. These funds will enable the Libraries to strengthen print collections, increase electronic resources and support new and emerging research initiatives in the colleges and schools.

“Our collections, both printed and electronic, have been enhanced by the WVU community’s commitment of more than $1.2 million in endowment support. It is a powerful reminder that we care for West Virginia University’s future and for those that it serves,” said Gerald Lang, provost and vice president for academic affairs and research.

Myra N. Lowe, interim dean of University Libraries, added, “This is an excellent example of the kind of collaborative investment that is essential to build a strong collection which will best serve the needs of the WVU community and the citizens of our state.”

With only $100,000 remaining to be pledged by the WVU community and matched 2:1 by the WVU Research Corporation, the University Libraries anticipates completing the challenge grant two and a half years early.

If you would like more information about the matching funds, please call the Office of Development for the University Libraries at 293-4040 ext. 46

Mountaineer Spirit

The WVU Library Staff Council (LSC) is an organization dedicated to improving the working conditions for library staff at the WVU Libraries. Since 1995, LSC has met once a month to discuss issues important to library staff members. The Executive Council of LSC consists of 15 representatives from departments in 9 WVU Libraries.

The meeting schedule for LSC alternates between open meetings and executive sessions. Open meetings may be attended by all library staff. Executive sessions are for members of the Executive Council. In the past, the Dean of Libraries has periodically attended LSC meetings to share information about library development and to answer questions about staff concerns.

The LSC has been quite active in several important facets of library development. Upon the retirement of Dean Jackson, LSC forwarded their recommendation for Interim Dean of Libraries to Provost Gerald Lang. During January 1999, LSC’s Executive Council met with each of the four Library Dean candidates for hour-long interview sessions. In addition to these duties, LSC has been involved with major renovations to the Wise Library staff lounge and gaining subscriptions to Library Mosaics (a journal designed for technical support staff).

The LSC maintains an electronic discussion list, open to all library staff. The list has been used by LSC to forward copies of minutes for monthly meetings and to involve the members of the many libraries in discussions about important system-wide changes: new phone systems, plans for library construction projects, and other concerns with upcoming changes that affect all library staff.

New ideas are welcomed by LSC. It is their goal to improve the working environment at WVU Libraries. Their past success is due in part to the contributions and support of staff at the WVU Libraries. Questions or suggestions can be forwarded to the Library Staff Discussion List or to David Foreman at dforemn@wvu.edu or 293-4040 ext. 4012.

by David Foreman