Director's Desk - Welcome Address

On behalf of the entire Himmelfarb Library staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new Medical Center faculty, staff, and students. I would also like to extend greetings to all returning faculty and students on the start of a new academic year.

Last year was one of the busiest Himmelfarb has ever experienced. Librarians taught more classes/orientations than ever before. We opened a new computer classroom. More students entered the Library than in previous years to borrow books, attend seminars, and study. Faculty, staff, and students utilized our electronic resources from their desktops and off-site locations at rapidly increasing rates.

We look forward to another busy year in AY04/05. Plans are underway to expand wireless network access throughout the entire Library. The Library has subscribed to the images.MD database as a resource for educational presentations. Additional workstations have been installed on the third floor.

As activities for the upcoming year gear up, we ask patrons to remember a few rules that smooth the inevitable rough edges of a busy, multipurpose building. Please observe the Library's food and drink policy as outlined. Please hold conversations to a minimum in the study areas of the second and third floors. These spaces are designated as quiet study areas. Please be especially mindful of cell phone rings and extended conversations. Answer your phone on the first ring or set it to mute. Step outside of the Library to take an extended call. Remember that the Library is often very crowded and many others can hear your private conversations!

The Library staff looks forward to meeting your information needs in the upcoming months. We also welcome your input! You may contact me at 202-994-1826 or mlbaml@gwumc.edu. The Library's e-mail address is library@gwumc.edu. The telephone number for the reference desk is 202-994-2850.

Best wishes for a successful year!
Anne Linton, Director, Library Services