DOTHAN – Students and visitors to Troy University will soon notice some major changes at the library on the Dothan Campus. Interim Library Director Chris Shaffer is working to increase circulation by adding DVDs, CDs and popular fiction.

Since assuming his new post in mid-August, Shaffer has already organized a free film series, which is open to the public. Twice each month, movies are shown in Sony Hall. Upcoming showings will include, “Kolya,” winner of Best Foreign Language Academy Award from the Czech Republic, and “Tsotsi,” winner of this year’s Academy Award for best foreign film.

“I thought it would be a fun thing to do,” Shaffer said, “and a chance to show some good films most people would not have had the opportunity to see.”

The library is also currently in the process of adding a collection of classic films, which will be available for checkout, along with box sets of classical and jazz CDs by music legends including Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. When it comes to books, library patrons can expect popular fiction to begin showing up on the shelves.

“You might find something by Hitchcock or a film with Cary Grant,” Shaffer said. “These are an important part of Americana and a valid part of any collection in my opinion.”

Checkout privileges are available to Troy University students and employees. Members of the public with Houston-Love Memorial Library cards are also eligible to borrow materials.

In the near future, readers will be able to bring in paperback books and exchange them for other paperbacks. Shaffer is also working to consolidate resources for education majors and teachers into an existing curriculum lab on the first floor of the Library/Technology Building.

Shaffer earned a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Alabama. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University and a master’s degree in social studies from Augusta State University. In addition, Shaffer earned an educational administration specialist degree from Albany State University.

Prior to joining the staff at the Dothan Campus, Shaffer served as a reference librarian on the Troy Campus. He also worked at the University of Alabama Library while attending graduate school. Previously, Shaffer taught history and science in several Georgia school districts, along with English in Banska Bystrica, Slovak Republic.

For information about Troy University Library hours and policies, call (334) 983-6556, ext. 1-331 or visit www.troy.edu

Chris Shaffer shows off some of the new materials available at the Troy University Library. Shaffer is the interim library director at the Dothan Campus.
Photo by:  Inga Oberst/Troy University