Enriching the academic community has always been an integral part to the Saint Louis University Libraries outreach efforts. This takes many forms such as through public programming and by serving the broader community through volunteerism. The Saint Louis University Library Associates (SLULA) have been a keystone to engaging the community-at-large. SLULA began in 1964 by then SLU President Father Paul C. Reinert, S.J. with the assistance of Henry J. Scherck and J. Barry McGannon, S.J. The goal then, as it is today, is to develop closer relationships and partnerships between the University Libraries and the St. Louis and surrounding community.
SLULA works on several levels to achieve the mission of promoting the development of the University Libraries’ collections and services. Each year, SLULA awards the prestigious Saint Louis Literary Award. On the complete list of awardees you will find such notable names as Joan Didion, Joyce Carol Oates, Edward Albee, and Michael Frayn. The SLULA-sponsored “Evenings at Home” series offers members an opportunity to discuss well-known works with authors and scholars. SLULA membership is very accessible with a number of levels to participate.
As an institution of higher-learning, Saint Louis University relies on its’ libraries to offer collections deep in various subject areas as well as provide current information services. The Saint Louis University Library Associates, Inc. organization is one way in which those who have a passion for sharing and supporting cultural activities and resources can work together for a common purpose. It is also a way for the University Libraries to continue to offer information resources and services needed to engage individuals in discussion.
The University Libraries will continue to partner with affinity groups and cultural institutions. It is our way of engaging the larger community in discourse on a variety of topics. Our partnerships will also raise the awareness of information resources, library services, and the rich and unique materials that are housed in our special collections.
