For decades, the Northwestern University Library has supported all areas of intellectual inquiry at Northwestern. The Library continues to expand its role as a provider of critical research and academic materials for Northwestern's community of scholars. Through its "collections of excellence" initiative, the Library focuses on building collections that align with both the academic strengths and emerging priorities of the University. This year the Library has enjoyed success in theatre and nanotechnology. In partnership with Academic Technologies, the Information Commons was designed to encourage student collaboration and to optimize the use of a growing collection of electronic resources.

The "collections of excellence" initiative aligns the Library's strategic acquisitions plan with programs of major importance to the University. Through this new, more targeted strategy, the Library takes on greater responsibility in supporting the teaching and research aspirations of the Northwestern community. By raising the standards of excellence in its theatre collection and by supporting emerging areas of discovery in nanotechnology, University Library enhances these programs and positions itself as a leader among academic libraries in these areas.

The Information Commons, a joint effort of University Library and Academic Technologies, was renovated during the summer of 2005. Located just inside the Lantern entrance, this space was designed to better integrate information, technology, and learning. The area now has furniture that can easily be configured to facilitate group work. Laurel Minott, Assistant University Librarian, explains that the Information Commons was designed "to offer the University community a centrally-located, user-focused, and technologically rich environment for individual and collaborative work in a space that would allow for discussion, interaction, and learning in a comfortable environment."

New additions to the area include more than 50 workstations equipped with traditional library software, EndNote, and RefWorks. New carpeting, paint, furniture, and lighting add to the aesthetic appeal of the space, creating a more inviting atmosphere. The circulation and interlibrary loan desks were also renovated for easier access.

Give online or contact Alex Herrera at aherrera@northwestern.edu or (847) 467-7129 to find out how you can give to Northwestern's Library. More information on how you can support the Northwestern Library and its initiatives at located here.