Congratulations, Fine Arts Library, UT-Austin!

Last Friday the University of Texas Libraries announced a new $1 million endowment gift to the Fine Arts Library, funding that will be used to make more improvements to the FAL facility, purchase new materials, and support programming. Students in the Information Resources in the Humanities reference class and I toured the FAL during our last class before spring break on 7 March. Head Librarian Laura Schwartz (iSchool alumn) showed us the newly renovated library space, including the creation of new digital media work spaces, reconfiguration of the reference stack areas, new carpeting, window treaments, a cafe style study booth, new furniture, and installation of more electrical outlets for laptop use. You'll find the press release on the award at http://www.utexas.edu. The FAL was also recently highlighted in a feature article on the University's Website. You'll find this article, "Hang Out with the Arts: Eclectic Staff, New Media Resources Attract a Creative Mix to the Fine Arts Library," archived at utexas.edu/features/2006/arts/index.html.

Congratulations, FAL, in demonstrating how a skilled library staff can use their gifts in providing good library service.