Friends of the Libraries/Financial Assistance
The Friends of the Libraries (FOL) organization underwent significant change this year. Although its primary goal – to build a broad membership base of individuals and corporations – remained the same, the character of the organization changed. With the establishment of a strong online identity, together with the opening of a virtual gift shop complete with secured server access, the FOL moved into the sphere of marketing and merchandising. Items marketed and offered for sale included replicas of Testudo, the campus's mascot; occasional note cards, books and music CD's. A Friends of the Library Book Store Discount Card was also introduced, allowing members to receive discounts at 16 participating establishments. FOL also initiated partnerships with the Alumni Association, Senior University, and the English Department, broadening the organization's scope of programming and fundraising activities.
Friends cosponsored two highly successful events this year – "A Great Teacher Remembered" piano recital in conjunction with the Performing Arts Library, and the premiere of the film, "In the Symphony of the World: A Portrait of Hildegaard of Bingen" with the College of Arts and Humanities. The FOL, in conjunction with the Creative Writing Program, initiated cosponsorship of the popular "Writers Here and Now" series featuring celebrated authors from around the world, as well as cosponsorship of the Investors Group which meets monthly on campus. The Friends also played a significant role in the Libraries contribution to campus Maryland Day festivities at the end of April.
Friends of the Libraries noted with sadness the passing on July 3, 1998 of one of its board members and a devoted friend and supporter of the Libraries, the Honorable Louis L. Goldstein, State Comptroller. Mr. Goldstein served the residents of Maryland with distinction for more than a half century.
Major Gifts, Grants and Other Financial Assistance
The Libraries' efforts to raise private support through major gifts heightened as part of the University's "Bold Vision – Bright Future" campaign. During the year, the focus of attention was the unique opportunity afforded by the visibility and importance of Special Collections. The Performing Arts Library (PAL) was also a focus of donor attention in anticipation of moving into its new quarters as part of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Gifts and grants to support various PAL projects were provided by the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, the American Bandmasters Foundation, Robert and Alexander Sherman, Mr. And Mrs. Henry Steinway, Ernest and Jane Randall, Lee Luvisi, Helen M. Scholz, and Margery Morgan Lowens. Also receiving important financial support during the year were the National Public Broadcasting Archives, the Pioneers Library of American Broadcasting, the National Trust for Historic Preservation Library, and the Prange Collection. During its second year of operation, the Grants Office was able to secure three major grants, two from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the other from the Nippon Foundation.
© 2001 University of Maryland Libraries
Last Revised: 01/24/01