Spectrum - Volume 17 Issue 13 November 17, 1994 - Library friends group chooses new officers

Spectrum Logo
A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Library friends group chooses new officers

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 13 - November 17, 1994

James I. (Bud) Robertson Jr., alumni distinguished professor, and Lon Savage, an author and former assistant to the president, have been elected chair and co-chair, respectively, of the new Friends of the Virginia Tech Libraries. They succeed co-chairs Frances M.H. Russell and Louisa G. Dekker, both Blacksburg residents.

The organization was formed by a committee of faculty, alumni, and community leaders to serve as an advocacy group for University Libraries and "to build support for what we think is the heart of the university," Robertson said.

He said their mission is to increase public awareness of the array of resources and services available, to expand access to these programs and to enhance the private philanthropy that sustains the libraries' excellence.

"We think the Friends of the Libraries will be instrumental not only in expanding services into new areas of interest, but also in maintaining the University Libraries' mission to serve the university and our larger circle of patrons," said Stephen Zietz, head of Special Collections, who spearheaded organization of the group.

Zietz said the new organization has adopted a constitution and by-laws and recently held an inaugural event that drew about 100 people. Robertson was the featured speaker for the event and talked about the libraries' importance to the university.

"Since that event, the membership of the Friends of the Libraries has grown steadily, and we expect many more people to join as they become familiar with the organization and its purpose. In fact, the organization aims to enlist hundreds, and eventually thousands, of additional members to assist in further development of the university's library resources and facilities," Robertson said.

He said members are expected to make contributions for the libraries' benefit and help in identifying additional gifts and support.

Margaret Shuler, executive secretary of the group, said members "will receive a quarterly newsletter, invitations to special lectures, exhibits and other programs sponsored by the Friends of the Libraries, and association with like-minded individuals who believe in the importance of the library."

For information on the Friends of the Virginia Tech Libraries, call Shuler at 1-6308 or write Friends of the Virginia Tech Libraries, Virginia Tech, P.O. Box 9001, Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001.