Recent Support

During the past academic year, the Friends provided support in the following ways:

Strengthening Library Collections

The Friends provided $10,000 for the conservation of rare and unique materials in the collections. 

Improving Library Spaces and Equipment

The renovation of the Friends of the Libraries Reading Room stands as a major accomplishment for the Friends. Since the Reading Room’ opened in November 2010, students have enjoyed this comfortable and quiet space. In September 2011, three paintings by artist Thomas Locker were installed thanks to gifts from President Emerita Jill Ker Conway and the family and classmates of Frana Larrabee Low ’50.

The Friends purchased several Kindles for students and iPods for reference staff.

Supporting Students

Library Orientation is an important first step for new students to become aware of library resources and services. The Friends help boost attendance at Orientation with a $5 gift  to each attendee's One Card. As a result, Smith has one of the highest turnouts among peer institutions.

The Friends provided students with a refreshing break during reading periods in December and May by offering tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies during study breaks. These treats were served at 9 p.m. over four nights. Each night, lines formed 20 minutes before the refreshments arrived!

In May, the Friends presented 59 new books to the libraries, each one plated in honor of a graduating student library assistants.

Supporting Staff

Reference librarian Elizabeth Foster availed of the FSCL Staff Development Fund to attend the Association of College and Research Libraries Intentional Teacher Immersion Program in July. She was the sixth librarian to attend the week-long program. Elizabeth described the program as very useful, adding that it informs her teaching of research skills daily.

Supporting the Smith Community

The Friends continue to provide access to JSTOR (a digital archive of academic journals and scholarly resources) to Smith alumnae via the Alumnae Association website.

The Friends supported travel stipends for two doctoral students conducting summer research at the Sophia Smith Collection.

The Friends hosted lectures by Harvard University Librarian Robert Darnton and University of Virginia professor, Michael F. Suarez S.J. about digital books and the enduring relevance of the printed word.