The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library was formed in 1994. Libraries today are challenged by strengthing collections that reflect the history of ideas while building collections and programs that reflect the present and serve as gateways to the future. The Friends support this effort by building an Endowment, adding to the Library's collections and sponsoring programs of interest to the community.

Completed in 1992, the Weinberg Memorial Library houses the University's principal collections. It is a repository for 500,000 volumes as well as the University Archives Special Collections, media and microforms. In addition to its physical collection the Library provides access to 160 databases and 35,000 fulltext journals. A staff of more than 30 persons serves the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends of the University, as well as the community-at-large. The Library uses web 2.0 social networking such as blogs and facebook to communicate about its resources and programs.

Members of our Friends group enjoy fellowship and friendship with those who value the importance of libraries and learning. They have a special opportunity to help the University attain its goal of excellence. You are cordially invited to become a member of Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. I hope you will join me in championing the role of the Library in collecting and preserving books.

Charles E. Kratz,
Dean of the Library & Information Fluency,
Weinberg Memorial Library