AUSTIN, TX (September 15, 2003) — On September 23, 2003, the Undergraduate Library turns 40 years old. Come celebrate with us between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The re-dedication ceremony will feature special guests (including Hook 'Em), cake, banners, balloons, music and a photographic exhibit.
Forty years ago, Harry Ransom conceived of "Harry's Place," now known as the Undergraduate Library and the Flawn Academic Center.
Harry Ransom joined UT's English faculty in 1935, was chancellor of The University of Texas System (1961-71), vice president and provost of UT Austin (1957-60), and president (1960-61). He was the sole chief executive officer of the university 1963-67, when there was no office of president.
He envisioned an Academic Center as a crossroads at the heart of campus: a friendly center offering students a non-threatening introduction to libraries, scholarship and research; a dynamic environment for "teaching experiments" featuring new technology joined with more traditional library functions; and a House of the Muses, "Where art and learning dwell, and peace is wisdom's guest . . ."
Damon Jaggars, current Head Librarian of the Undergraduate Library, points out that "The library and the services we offer have changed over the last forty years, but Ransom's vision still guides what we do."
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General Libraries news releases are located on UT Library Online at:
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/about/news/newsreleases.html
