The Friends of The Johns Hopkins University Libraries

Gateway to Knowledge Campaign
2002-2008

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PRIORITIES & PROJECTS 

New Library Building: In response to the need for additional space for group study, computer workstations, book storage and offices, a feasibility study for a new Library building to be constructed adjacent to the Eisenhower Library has been completed. The cost of the new Library building is estimated at $25 million. More information about the new Library building project is available in the Fall 2004 issue of Ex Libris.

Johns Hopkins Science Review: The Sheridan Libraries have received a grant of $150,500 from the National Endowment for the Humanities to preserve a collection of more than 700 educational television films produced by Johns Hopkins between 1948 and 1960. The collection includes four programs: The Johns Hopkins Science Review, Tomorrow, Tomorrow's Careers and Johns Hopkins File 7. All were recorded on kinescopes, 16 mm films that recorded the show as it was broadcast directly from a cathode-ray monitor. The NEH award will fund the production of digital beta master videotape and a second VHS "use" copy for all 332 programs in the collection. The films will be cataloged, and Web-based finding aids for the programs will be created. The libraries seek an additional $75,000 in private funds to complete the project.

Endowment: The Libraries are comparatively under-endowed in contrast to their outstanding collections, programs, and national profile. Strengthening endowment ensures the continuous acquisition of resources to sustain the breadth and quality of the University’s strong research collections, and it helps attract and retain talented and resourceful professionals.

Facilities: Creating the research library of the 21^st century requires an environment that fosters the pursuit of knowledge. Outdated facilities hamper students and faculty from realizing their fullest potential. Improving and enhancing facilities, including the Eisenhower and Peabody Libraries and the Hutzler Undergraduate Reading Room in Gilman Hall will advance research and scholarship at Johns Hopkins.

Digital Library Program: In the coming decade, the Sheridan Libraries seek to expand significantly their role as:

• A research and development center for the application of technology to scholarship
• The hub for faculty collaboration on the integration of electronic resources into teaching and inquiry
• A nexus for new learning opportunites for Hopkins students and faculty

Science & Engineering: The Science and Engineering Library at the Milton S. Eisenhower Library serves the entire University, providing core collections and reference services for the 17 science and engineering departments at Homewood and functioning as an additional resource for the Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing. A team of four Research Services librarians manages this scholarly enterprise—building the collections and working with students and faculty –by offering insight into challenging research questions, expert library instruction, and in-depth understanding of the collections.

Preservation: Preservation specialists at the Sheridan Libraries care for the physical and intellectual integrity of the collections. The Libraries’ comprehensive preservation program includes general collections conservation, disaster preparedness, special collections book and paper conservation, and digital preservation activities. Endowment funds are sought for additional staffing and refurbished facilities.

Digital Business Library: A Digital Business Library, providing access to broad and diverse information sources, would be invaluable not only to the Hopkins MBA program offered by the School of Professional Studies in Business and Education, but to all divisions of the University. Throughout Johns Hopkins, undergraduate and graduate programs are emerging that incorporate management, business administration, and finance—including new initiatives in the business of education and international business.