Interim Dean's Message
University Libraries connects the Colorado State University campus and greater Colorado community to information and knowledge critical for research and learning. In short, our mission is to inspire innovation and advance the ways knowledge is shared and preserved for posterity. Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation, stated "no university in the world has ever risen to greatness without having a great library, and no university is greater than its library." This is likely why one of our greatest university presidents, William Morgan, refused to build Hughes Stadium until a new library was constructed. Indeed, after Morgan Library was constructed, phenomenal growth occurred at Colorado State University, especially in the areas of research and scholarly activities. The water “sheet flow” incident of 1997 was challenging, but it also catalyzed CSU Libraries to evolve to a leadership position nationally in serving its constituents anywhere and anytime, electronically. Another great period of growth in research and scholarship at CSU followed that development.
Now, more than ten years henceforward, our present challenge is to create a world-class 21st century library. Morgan Library must now be transformed into an Information Commons by being redesigned to support collaborative teaching and learning, and expanded electronic access that is essential to the conduct of a 21st century university. We have a conceptual design that supports just this vision that will meet CSU’s needs into the foreseeable future. Elements of that design include more and better seating for studying, a 24x7 staffed study space addition, a reconfigurable collaboratory for group learning, spaces specially designed for multimedia development, an art lounge, internet video conference rooms and classrooms allowing the most distinguished teachers and researchers to reach our constituents from remote locations, more quiet study area, more advanced technology, print on demand for books, an improved entryway, and many other features that will enhance learning and discovery at CSU.
We are at the cusp of a third phase of evolution for modern libraries. Every time we have encountered such a scenario at CSU in the past, our community has met it, and CSU has experienced very positive, sustained effects as mentioned above. This time is perhaps the most critical as the economy is resetting, the State struggles to fund higher education, and CSU strives further to enhance its learning, research and outreach environments, promote economic development, and meet the needs of modern learners and researchers. It is in just such an economic and political climate that transforming Morgan Library into a facility that will serve the next generation offers the greatest opportunity and will have the greatest effect. To this end, I ask for your continued support as we embark upon the Campaign for Colorado State University.
As we strive to meet our many goals in serving the university, we look to the Campaign for Colorado State University as a critical fundraising effort.The University Libraries goal during the campaign is $4.9M which includes $1.5 M to begin the transformation of Morgan Library to an Information Commons, funding for collections and technology, and increased endowments to build a sustainable financial future. However, the total goal for the Morgan Redesign project is $8 M. While we are well on our way to meeting our goal, we cannot cross the finish line without help from our always-generous supporters.
We remain committed to excellence in information services and to making a difference in the lives of all who enter the library either physically or electronically. I invite you to look at the Library's website to learn more about our campaign goals and how you can participate. I ask that you join with us in creating a 21st century research library that serves all our users.
Patrick Burns
Vice President for Information Technology and Interim Dean of Libraries
Colorado State University