Letters to the Chronicle

Educator calls for continued library support

The Oct. 12 article announcing the possible cuts in the acquisitions budget of the UMass library prompts me to write in support of this magnificent library and especially of its staff.

I am a retired public school teacher, and I use the Du Bois Library frequently to do research for presentations in seminars sponsored by Five College Learning In Retirement. On all occasions, from my first entrance to the Circulation Desk to acquire a library card, to the staff of the Reference Desk, to the students at the check-out station and the personnel at the return book desk, all have been more than helpful and courteous. Furthermore, I have found the collection at Du Bois always met my needs in any subject I have researched, which is testimony to the success of previous acquisitions. Let us hope that the Board of Higher Education has the wisdom to at least maintain the current funding of this line item, and better yet to increase it.

JAMES E. SCOTT
Amherst

Fraternity members express thanks for assistance after devastating fire

We wish to thank and acknowledge all the individuals from the University community who came to our assistance after the house fire on Oct. 5.

Special thanks to the Dean of Students staff who assisted with emergency housing, emergency loans, letters to the faculty, and other special arrangements. We also wish to thank staff from the Financial Aid Office, Textbook Annex, Campus Center Hotel, the fraternity and sorority system, and the many other individuals who have offered assistance and support.

In the greater Amherst community, we wish to thank the fire department, police, and the other fire units that responded to the alarm. And a special thanks to Curt Shumway and the staff of the University Motor Lodge for providing the students with housing.

MEMBERS OF DELTA UPSILON and
MICHAEL WISEMAN,
director of Greek Affairs