AUSTIN, Texas (January 17, 2006) - Since 1979 the Fine Arts Library has served as the source for information on music, the visual arts, theatre and dance for the University of Texas and local communities. It now has a new look and is providing new services thanks to a collaborative initiative between the University of Texas Libraries and the College of Fine Arts.
The transformation of the main level began a year ago with an assessment of the needs of the Library's users. According to Laura Schwartz, Fine Arts Head Librarian, the renovation, the first in 26 years, is just Phase I, "We are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with our users about what they want and need. The Fine Arts Library is all about learning and creating and growing - we provide the tools to make those things happen."
Located in the Doty Fine Arts Building across 23rd Street from the D.K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the renovated Fine Arts Library's main level is conceived as a collaborative learning and creative environment with moveable furniture, chairs with tablet arms for laptops, and an additional group study room. Elegant metro shades now filter the sun. The inspirational views of surrounding live oaks, Memorial Stadium and the Tower remain.
The new hardware and software for learning and creating include:
In addition to the environmental and technological upgrades funded by the University of Texas Libraries and the College of Fine Arts, the Physical Plant division provided new carpeting for the entire entrance level.
This redesign of the learning spaces and the addition of new technologies complements the ever-expanding information resources and services of the Fine Arts Library, which include:
The general public may check out books, DVDs, CDs and musical scores from the collection with a UT Libraries courtesy borrower card for an annual fee. This service is free to spouses and domestic partners of full-time UT staff, to University of Texas Alumni Association members in good standing, and to persons with a valid TexShare card (see http://www.texshare.edu/programs/card/circpol/ut.html).
Fine Arts Library subject specialist librarians:
