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Friday, 16 May 2003

The annual appeal to raise funds for one of South Australia's major resources, the University of Adelaide's Barr Smith Library, is on again.

The Barr Smith Library is South Australia's biggest library, with more than two million items in its collection.

Last year, the Barr Smith Library launched its first annual appeal for funds to purchase books and electronic resources.

"The support given to the appeal by graduates and friends of the University was outstanding and enabled us to purchase more than 500 titles, including a number of very significant titles," says University Librarian Ray Choate.

"However, this work must continue, and to enable this we are again seeking the public's help.

"Donations to the library will underpin our future as the premiere research library in South Australia, as well as helping to provide first-grade resources for all students of South Australian universities," Mr Choate says.

University of Adelaide students Ryan Cornish, 25, and Sonia Corsini, 20, both agree that supporting the Barr Smith Library will be greatly beneficial to students.

Ryan is in the final year of his Bachelor of Dental Surgery, as well as continuing his Masters in Science (Dentistry). He has studied in the Barr Smith Library since 1994, while still at school.

"The Library is the key to the University, to the knowledge and to the information that everyone needs," he says.

Sonia is in the final year of her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, and has started her studies in Law. She sees the library as the "lifeblood of the University".

"Each new book, each journal title keeps the Library up-to-date. Today's new purchases add to the history we already possess, making the Barr Smith Library collection an even better resource."

Donations can be made to the Alumni, Community Relations and Development office: 8303 5800. Donations of $60 or more will be acknowledged with a named bookplate.