David Hayes
University Librarian

"I first came to RU in 1980 as a reference librarian.  Currently, I’m University Librarian.  I’ve seen a great many positive changes in McConnell Library and Radford University in my tenure of 28 years.  Most dramatic has been the switch from paper library resources to electronic resources.  Of prime importance has been the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) which provides to all the Commonwealth colleges and universities basic electronic resources through direct legislative support.  This year I was honored by being elected to a second two-year term on the VIVA Steering Committee representing the libraries of the comprehensive universities in Virginia .

In recent years, we’ve had good RU budget increases to help provide the necessary resources for scholarship and learning on our campus.  But every year, the cost of serial titles go up, new programs are implemented, and “must-have” resources and systems are developed to make libraries easier to use and more effective for research and learning.  We want all RU students fully prepared for the marketplace or graduate school by using the most up-to-date library technology and resources.  But the VIVA and RU budget support does not allow the Library to provide everything we’d like to or need to provide.  RU Foundation funds help fill the gap.  Contributions are used for our popular reading collection, for celebrating student scholarship with the Winesett Awards, equipment, and software for our library system, among other needs.

The support McConnell Library receives from donors to the RU Foundation is essential, humbling, and inspiring.  I feel it incumbent upon me to help out in a small way by using payroll deduction. Besides the Library, I also give to RU 7-17 because it will benefit many important areas on campus and provide funds to make campus-wide advances.  I also donate to the Arts Society because of the excellent work that the College of Visual and Performing Arts does in providing students with the opportunities to develop as we watch and listen to their performances.          

I see tangible results every day from the many donors whom I join in the giving enterprise.

Each year, the Faculty and Staff Campaign raises thousands of dollars toward the funding of student scholarships and programs, library resources and building and technology enhancements. “Employee participation gives a strong message of internal support for those outside of our University.” said Penny Helms White, Director of Annual Giving for University Advancement.