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As early as 3000 BC libraries existed to conform to the specific needs of the civilization that they served.
The clay tablets that recorded commercial transactions in ancient Mesopotamia were collected in a manner similar
to our recording the price of oil or other commodities today. In this case, the media changed but the need for
information is no less acute today than it was 5000 years ago.
Prognosticating the future of the library in 21st century has led some to predict that libraries will become
increasingly specialized with public libraries collecting material and offering programs that will be markedly
different from academic libraries. Evidence of this trend exists today. So it is, and will be, that the
US Military Academy Library conforms to the needs of the Corps of Cadets and the United States Army.
The academic library is an integral part of the education program on the college campus. It is a central
connection point for web based information services that have, in many cases, replaced paper based information
services. The college library is often a unique location for quiet study areas and for well equipped group
study areas. Students work with professional librarians to develop finding and navigation skills required by
the multitude of digital services needed in academic pursuits.
With much of the heritage of the US Army rooted at West Point, the historical collections are close at hand
in physical and, increasingly, in digital form. Interpretative staff are available to respond to questions from
cadets as well as from the general public about the history of the Academy.
Jefferson Hall was conceived with the needs of the cadets and of the US Army in mind. It will be a place where
education happens, where learning partnerships are formed, and where the future leaders of the US Army will
become skilled in information assessment techniques.
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