"Counting One’s Blessings": the approaching Thanksgiving holiday reminds me of this useful exercise. The Fall semester has brought the Library many blessings, not the least of which is full staffing! The Library filled the last of its vacancies in late July. Bio’s of our new staff are included in this issue. With full staffing we have been able to increase our hours of operation from the 76 hrs./week of a year ago to 86 hours per week. We have also been able to add to and enhance existing services.

To provide more efficient and effective services, we are experimenting with the one-stop-shopping Service Desk. Services now available at the former Circulation Desk include Reference as well as Circulation, Reserves, and ILL. We have also expanded our public work station capacity adding 2 new computer stations on level 2. Our bibliographic instruction program has also grown. Beginning with the Spring semester, we will be offering an Honors Program Information Literacy course in addition to our LIBR1000 course. The aesthetics of the Library have been improved with new lighting and new carpeting in select public areas.

Popular events sponsored by the Library during the Fall semester and open to the general public included two book-signings by 2 Georgia authors (June Hall McCash, author of 6 books and numerous articles, and Jack Riggs, author of the novel When the Finch Rises) and 2 Library Luncheon programs (Banned Books Week Readings and our annual Pumpkin Carving contest). The Library also hosted an Open House for GSW faculty and staff during Planning Week.

In the area of collections, our blessings include access to additional databases via GALILEO, and the wonderful gifts and donations from our supporters.

A listing of the Library’s blessings would be incomplete without a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Library’s many supporters. You are, indeed, a blessing! The Library staff joins me in wishing you and your loved ones "Happy Holidays"!

The James Earl Carter Library was fortunate to host two book signings this Fall Semester. On Wednesday September 12th, renowned author June Hall McCash, Ph. D visited GSW and spoke at convocation. Following the convocation, the library hosted the book signing where McCash signed copies of her books and visited with the GSW community. She is the author, co-author and editor of six books and numerous articles, including The Jekyll Island Cottage Colony and Jekyll Island’s Early Years. On Wednesday October 10th, the Library also hosted the book signing for author Jack Riggs, the featured convocation speaker. Riggs is the author of When the Finch Rises which is the book various English classes read for the semester. He teaches Creative Writing and Film studies at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta.

The James Earl Carter Library kicked off the Lunches at the Library Fall Program with a Banned Books Celebration on Thursday, October 4th. Members of the faculty, staff, and student population of GSW participated in the event. Readings enjoyed by all were done from a wide range of books including: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman, Ulysses by James Joyce, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. The Library hosted its Second Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest on Tuesday, October 30th. There was a large crowd on the lawn in front of the library carving and painting pumpkins. It was especially nice to see such a diverse student population at the event. The Library is looking forward to our Spring programs, including readings from our favorite Irish authors on St. Patrick’s Day. We hope to see you all there!