LIBRARIAN'S DESK

Collection of information resources in print or in other forms that is organized and made accessible for reading or study. The word derives from the Latin liber ("book"). The origin of libraries lies in the keeping of written records, a practice that dates at least to the 3rd millennium BC in Babylonia. The first libraries as repositories of books were those of the Greek temples and those established in conjunction with the Greek schools of philosophy in the 4th century BC. Today's libraries frequently contain periodicals, microfilms, tapes, videos, compact discs, and other materials in addition to books. The growth of on-line communications networks has enabled library users to search electronically linked databases worldwide. The DCE Library is an autonomous organization and serves as store of knowledge with thousands of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.

The Library's mission is to make its resources available, sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations to the users. The office of the Librarian is tasked to set policy and to direct and support programs and activities to accomplish the Library's mission.

As Librarian of DCE I oversee the many thousands of dedicated staff who acquire, catalog, preserve, and make available library collections within library buildings on DCE. We are pleased that you are visiting our Web site today, and we heartily invite you for knowing the DCE library.