In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Raymond H. Fogler Facts

Founded:
The first library at the University of Maine was housed in Fernald Hall from 1868 to 1888, when it was moved to a space in Coburn Hall. By the time of the transition into Coburn Hall the library held approximately 4,000 volumes. This number kept expanding until 1905, when a separate building dedicated to housing the library's collections was needed.

Mission:
The mission of the Libraries of the University of Maine is to identify and provide the information and library resources needed by members of the University community in their study, teaching, research, public service and professional development; to serve as the designated State Research Library for Business, Science and Technology (P. & S. 1999, ch. 33, Laws of Maine); to instruct and assist in the use of library resources and services; to share in the development and implementation of the University's educational and research programs; to cooperate with other libraries in meeting the information needs of the people of Maine; to provide leadership in the development and delivery of library services in Maine; and to participate in state, regional, and national professional library activities.

Collections:
The Special Collections Department was established in 1970 as a repository for Maine related material. Virtually all available printed bibliographical, historical, and descriptive works on the state as well as literary titles by Maine authors are housed in this department.

Books, pamphlets, state documents, and other forms of printed material provide extensive coverage of Maine's cities, towns, counties, and her people and institutions. These printed resources are complemented by a substantial body of original source materials. While the collections are largely Maine-related, some material pertaining to broader subject areas, such as maritime history, are also found in the department.