Aesthetic questions aside, the fence, as a psychological barrier to the learning and knowledge and wisdom within, gave a message exactly the opposite of the openness and accessibility Crist has in mind for our library. The general mission of a library - to serve as a repository and to connect people with information - holds true for the University Libraries. But an academic research library also must fulfill the more specific function of supporting the research and teaching of the faculty and students. In this time of exponentially expanding information, partnerships between faculty and the library are increasingly important, since the library must be ready to support not only current work, but emerging areas of knowledge as well. It's a monumental and ever-changing task.

There's a presumption today that everything today is on the Internet and that it's all true. Libraries and librarians are helping people recognize both the enormity of the new information resources and the need to evaluate carefully. In years to come more and more will be online. How will the role of librarians continue to change? Academic research libraries are working together and with our users to invent our future.

The library's triple emphases during Campaign UMass focus on building collections, improvements to facilities, and technology that improves access. When you enter the building enclosed by the fence you see changes already taking place: the card catalog is gone, re-placed by banks of computers both on the main floor and scattered conveniently throughout the building. A second instructional space to complement the much used John and Ellen Calipari Instruction Room recently opened. The Assistive Technologies Center, on the main floor, provides staff, hardware, and software support for those with physical or learning disabilities.

The spectacular perennial garden, a collaborative effort of many campus and library staff, blooms in the courtyard, surrounded by benches donated by the Alumni Association. The library is the very emblem of the campus, its academic heart. The now inviting courtyard and the Whack the Fence campaign represent a fine symbolic start to the improvements to come.