Depository Spotlight: Salisbury University Libraries
The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is spotlighting the Salisbury University Libraries in Salisbury, Maryland for excellence in providing library services. The library has been a member of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) since 1965 and has continued to grow and change in creative ways to meet the needs of generations of users.
The design of the building itself is one way Salisbury University Libraries is keeping up with user needs. At the entrance of the library is the Research Commons, an area referred to as “The Pit” by students. It’s a large open area full of computers, collaborative workspaces, and ready reference materials. There are also a variety of study spaces for both group and quiet study, 3-D printers, and other maker spaces. The library is open to students, faculty, and the public.
The library consists of: The Guerrieri Academic Commons, The Edward H. Nabb Center for Delmarva History and Culture, and the Curriculum Resource Center.
The Guerrieri Academic Commons comprises the majority of collections and services. From traditional library spaces for print materials to: classrooms; projection rooms; media, maker, Math and Writing labs; studios; presentation rooms; and even a Mother’s Room, the Commons has everything today’s user wants and needs!
The Edward H. Nabb Center for Delmarva History and Culture is located on the fourth floor of the Commons. University and regional archives, artifacts, and special collections – including a premier special collection of materials about the Delmarva Peninsula - are kept there.
The Curriculum Resource Center, housed in Conway Hall, supports teacher education and other academic departments and includes curriculum resources, children’s literature, and puppets.
The FDLP Collection is located on the third floor of the Academic Commons and provides users with a mix of traditional and modern library services. The library’s administration values all Government information and strives to make a relevant collection, useable by all people in the area. The print collection is thoughtfully developed and well-maintained, while electronic resources are made available to those users who prefer that format. All Government documents are cataloged to ensure access.
The Government Information collection also enjoys support from every department in the library. Staff from both Technical Services and Public Services, as well as Library Administration are aware of the FDLP and are involved in promoting, providing access to, and developing the FDL collection. U.S. Government information is incorporated in research guides and other tools and services, and library instruction includes U.S. Government information. The entire library staff knows where the collection is located, what it is about, and how to help patrons use it. With this much support, the FDLP collection is used a great deal and will continue to be used for years to come.
The Federal depository staff and administrators at SU continue to strive for excellence in the provision of FDLP services. GPO congratulates the Salisbury University Libraries for this and all of its contributions to the FDLP and to all users of U.S. Government information.