DAY OF GIVING ENSURES MORRIS LIBRARY STAYS AHEAD OF THE CURVE

By Rebecca Renshaw

During the 2018 SIU Day of Giving, Morris Library raised $7,455 from 36 gifts. That money was used to reach one of the library’s top fundraising goals – installing an Adobe Creative Cloud workstation.

“This workstation provides students access to Adobe Creative Cloud software, coupled with the computer hardware required to make the best use of it. Most student laptops are not sufficient, even if they purchased access to the software,” said Morris Library Dean John Pollitz.

The workstation features a Wacom Cintiq, a stylus-enabled, high-definition display used by design professionals. This interface allows for fast, precise interaction with digital content. It also supports the library’s 3D printing service by offering 3D modeling software.

These devices are cost-prohibitive for students to purchase, and they are rarely seen outside of design studios. This workstation represents one of the very few venues in which an aspiring designer can learn to use professional-grade tools.

“The workstation helps continue to position the library as a place where information is not just stored and retrieved, but created,” Pollitz said.

“The Day of Giving is one of my favorite days of the year,” Pollitz said. “The entire community, alumni, students and staff interact throughout the day across campus and there is just a great spirit of helping others.”

To learn about the needs of Morris Library and SIU Carbondale Library Affairs, visit foreversiu.org/lib.