It is said that "no man is an island" and neither is the University of Lethbridge Library. Many initiatives undertaken in the library are collaborations with individuals and groups that allow the library to expand the services provided to meet the needs of its patrons. One such collaboration is the recent addition of multimedia computers.

The specialized computers, installed in October 2011, provide students with equipment that can produce professional-quality multimedia projects. In addition to the computers and software, Peer Assisted Technology Support Students (PATSS) provide a human component to assist users of the stations.

The official launch of the multimedia service, honoured Dr. David and Shirley Hughes, whose generous donation helped to make the service possible. Hughes has long been active in the University community, serving as Chair to the University Finance Committee from 1976 to 1982 and as a member of the Board of Governors from 1989 to 1995. He was also part of the Library Information Network Centre campaign that was instrumental in establishing the structure that currently hosts the library.

"He got excited about the fact that we were talking about responding to student needs for new services in a new era," said University Librarian Alison Nussbaumer at the opening ceremony. "We weren't talking about building with bricks and mortar, and weren't talking about adding layers to existing services. We were talking about some transformational services."

In times when budgets are leaner, the library continues to work in a collaborative manner to further augment and expand the services available to U of L students. It is through the valued and visionary contributions made by patrons of the library, such as the Hughes, that the library is able to respond quickly to the changing needs of students.

This story first appeared in the February 2012 edition of The Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.