Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Academics is the library. In no other building on campus can aca- demics be epitomized so fully as in that big tower. Academic life and the library are interwoven into an inseparable fiber. The library — symbol of long hours of study and research, of lengthy manuscripts and boring chapters, of sore eyes, aching fingers and cramped backs .... But aha! One also finds the library a place of quiet, solitude, peace and — color. Color that seeks to fill bore- dom with variety and free strain with vitality. Many students shun the library as a building to enter only in utmost necessity. Yet, some have found the library a useful, vital organ in aca- demic life. A cavern of wonder, fascination and awe . . . such a place is the Mis- sissippi Valley Collection. Presided over by Dewey F. Pruett, curator of Special Collections, the MVC is a place to be explored and savored. It fascinates with its pre-1500 book samples and its ancient maps, such as a 1783 De I ' lise original of French Canadian land possession from the Arctic Circle to the Great Lakes. Academics 2

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Dr. John W. Richardson served as acting president of Memphis State University for a year after the res- ignation of Dr. Cecil C. Humphreys, presently chancellor of the Board of Regents. Dr. Richardson had retired after 121 2 years as MSU dean of the grad- uate school. This retirement lasted only about six weeks before he was Dr. Richardson Serves A Year As President called to serve the University again in the role of acting president. Speaking of his year as president, Dr. Richardson said it had been a good one. He cited the victories of the MSU basketball team as typical of the year. When asked whether he had noted any changes in student atti- tudes, Dr. Richardson said the stu- dents of today seem more con- cerned than they have been in the past few years. He said the more he talked with students, especially student leaders, the more he found that administra- tors and students want good instruc- tors who understand and motivate students. Dr. Richardson said he looked forward to his second retirement although he had made no definite plans. He said his relationship with MSU would be one of continued interest. 22 Academics

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« j js| ••£ IP EB 1 1 1? ; HBB™— -AT ■ »:,.. Those who discovered the many useful areas of the library made use of its resources. During open hours, students were seen working diligently, often oblivious to those around them. John Willard Brister Library is sectioned into areas of special in- terest including reference, fine arts, maps, government documents and the learning media center. In addition, there are four special subject libraries located on cam- pus: the law library, the music li- brary, the chemistry library and the engineering library. Each of these libraries is unique in character and composition. The size of each col- lection and its specialized content justify separation for convenience of the students and faculty. 24 Academics