Strategic Planning: This summer the Library focused on strategic planning for the next 3-5 years. The process involved an information gathering phase at which every unit was charged with writing succinct summaries of the status quo, identified the current research and developments in the field, examined initiatives of peer and aspirant institutions, listed trends, examined strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and barriers at Furman, and propose directions desirable for the next 3-5 years. Next the information was shared their summaries with the rest of the library, in written and oral presentation form. A Steering Committee was appointed and charged with distilling a draft strategic plan based on the summaries. The working drafts were shared with the library for critique and discussion along the way of arriving at a final document. The final version was approved by the director in mid-August.

 New Online Databases: The Library has subscribed to a number of new databases

 Federated Search Engine: The Library now offers this new service, which allows the user to search a series of databases at a time. Please try this new service.

 New Temporary Part-Time Electronic Resources Librarian: The library welcomes Will Strait as the temporary electronic resources librarian. Will interned at the library in the spring term and we were all impressed by his professionalism and competence and will be working with us through November. If you have questions for concerning electronic resources feel free to call him at 2713, or email him at william.strait@furman.edu.

Library Ranked in the Top 20: The Furman Library was included in the top 20 list of best libraries by the Princeton Review's publication The Best 336 Colleges.  Over 120,000 college students voted for the top 20 universities in 62 different categories.  In the library category Furman was ranked 19th. Harvard and Princeton were ranked #1 and #2 respectively.