GALILEO Fan: Elizabeth Bagley

Elizabeth Bagley, Director of Library Services at McCain Library of Agnes Scott College, says, “I recall the excitement when Georgia’s statewide virtual library was created in 1995. It was groundbreaking and equalized information access for all citizens, “cradle to grave.” At the time, that seemed especially crucial for counties outside the Atlanta “doughnut,” and it remains a key hallmark of the project. I remember carefully unpacking the computers that GALILEO bought - the first on my south Georgia campus to have Internet access.

Since then, no matter which part of Georgia I lived in, I have been thankful every week to have so much quality research at my finger tips. GALILEO has served the college students, faculty and staff with whom I’ve worked, whether they are on campus or studying abroad in Ecuador. It has helped my son prepare for debate team speeches, and it has provided important health information as a family member coped with her child’s illness. Recently, the Digital Library of Georgia database supplied images of newspapers that were over 100 years old for a faculty member who knew that French actress Sarah Bernhardt had visited Atlanta in 1881 – but she wanted descriptive proof.

As Georgia weathers economic turbulence, GALILEO evokes pride and comfort. Any resident can walk into almost any library or media center around the state and find career advice, consumer tips, stock reports, or homework help. Definitely fan-worthy!”

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your memories of GALILEO. We are glad it evokes pride and comfort.

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