Loyola University Chicago Libraries celebrates two important awareness events the week of October 20th — Open Access Week and National Friends of Libraries Week.
In 2009, the Friends of the Loyola University Chicago Libraries was founded as an organization that supports the libraries’ vision of being Loyola’s gateway to the world of information and scholarship. Through an annual gift, the Friends become members who support our mission of providing user-focused services and collections in an inviting, collaborative, and innovative learning environment for our students, faculty, and the greater Loyola community. A Friends Advisory Board is also a vital part of the organization as they serve as volunteers who work with the Dean of the Libraries to offer guidance and act as advocates.
How do Friends support our mission? Friends of the University Libraries enable us to support Loyola’s mission of “expanding knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith.” They understand the critical importance of the libraries as the center of learning and intellectual growth on our campus. They provide financial support to ensure that a wide variety of audience can be served and has access to print and electronic materials, special collections, digital resources, and expert research assistance. The funds they raise also support special events and programming that connect the students and the community with the intellectual contributions of others from past to present.
It is appropriate then that we concurrently celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week and Open Access Week. The Friends of Libraries supports programs that stimulate learning, dialogue, and foster appreciation of the shared resources which is complimentary to the goals of Open Access Week.
Open Access Week is an opportunity for the academic and research community to continue to learn about the potential benefits of open access, to share what they’ve learned with colleagues, and to help inspire wider participation in helping to make Open Access a new norm in scholarship and research.
We hope you will join us this week at the following events or visit us online to learn more.
Lunch and Learn: Making Community Technology Projects Sustainable
Wednesday, October 23 | 12:30–1:30 PM | Learn more and register
Faculty Speaker Event: The History of Fake News in the United States
Wednesday, October 23 | 5:30–7 PM | Learn more and register
Panel Discussion: Open Access Publishing
Friday, October 25 | 12-1 PM | Learn more and register
