Florida Tomorrow
...and the George A. Smathers Libraries
The Promise of Tomorrow
Great universities require great library systems.
The University of Florida’s original library — built in 1927 and now Smathers Library — was one of the first buildings on campus. The system has since grown to nine campus libraries, seven of which comprise the George A. Smathers Libraries. UF’s libraries have attained many milestones: the addition of the one-millionth volume in 1963; construction of the graduate research library — now Library West — in 1967; construction of the Marston Science Library in 1987; migration from the card catalog to an electronic catalog in 1987-88; celebration of the four-millionth volume in 2003; and the reopening of the remodeled and expanded Library West in 2006.
What lies ahead? The library of the future will continue to serve as “information central,” preserving the riches of the past and assisting users to access information that arrives daily in printed and electronic formats. While the academic library of the 21st century will continue to provide a haven for research, imagination and discovery within its walls, the “library without walls” will become increasingly important. Scholars in Gainesville and throughout the Gator Nation globally will access more and more electronic resources remotely, wherever they are.
UF’s libraries have forged ahead in diversity of holdings and commitment to preserve the irreplaceable productions of centuries of great minds. Library West’s reopening with state-of-the-art facilities and technological excellence — including the information commons area and a digital media center — brings sophisticated hardware and software to students.
Libraries are the heart of the university, delivering information to the whole community, wherever and whenever needed. A great library is essential to a great university. Your support of the libraries
strengthens the University of Florida … and Florida Tomorrow.
