Reflection from the Dean
Julie Garrison, Dean of University Libraries
Dean Julie Garrison reflects on the University Libraries' innovative and thoughtful response to the needs of the Western Michigan University community and the changing higher education environment in 2022.
Bouncing back: Re‑engaging students with the Libraries
With renewed energy across campus last fall, we focused on re-engaging students with library services and resources and providing programs and activities to help reconnect them with their campus community.
Responding to student needs
Waldo Library's lower level reopens with updates, new layout
The lower level of Waldo Library got a much-needed refresh last fall including new carpet and energy-efficient lighting, and a new user-friendly layout.
Helping future investigators solve decades-old cold case
Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten and students in 51¸£ÀûÉç's Cold Case Program collaborated with education and human development librarian Brad Dennis to hone their research skills and help solve the 1987 murder of Roxanne Wood.
Building through collaboration
Preserving the past to enhance future OT practice
Dr. Ann Chapleau, professor of occupational therapy, collaborated with digital projects librarian Amy Bocko to preserve the historical records and artifacts of 51¸£ÀûÉç's occupational therapy program.
Exploring the ‘Present Perfect’ with visiting artist Ben Blount
Dr. Sue Steuer, distinctive collections librarian, collaborated with the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center to bring Ben Blount, a Detroit-born artist, designer and letterpress printer, to Kalamazoo for workshops and events.
Reflecting on the past
Focusing on the present
Recognizing outstanding library employees
Several of our employees were recognized in 2022 for their outstanding service to the 51¸£ÀûÉç community and for making a difference through their excellent work.
Creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
We have been working hard over the last year to foster an inclusive environment and break down barriers of inequality to better serve our community.
Debuting ‘Talking Open’ podcast on climate justice for Open Access Week
The podcast series hosted in October featured experts within the 51¸£ÀûÉç community discussing the connection between open access and climate justice.
Looking to the future
What's next in 2023
- Host community-wide lecture on Intellectual Freedom and Banned Books in February.
- Partner with campus organizations on .
- Implement new digital signage to improve Waldo Library’s user experience.
- Renovate individual study rooms in summer 2023.
Our mission
The University Libraries empowers its community to discover, explore, and shape the information universe.
Our vision
We are innovative, responsive and recognized as vital to the research, creative, and academic pursuits of 51¸£ÀûÉç and the global community.
Our focus areas
- Collections
- Digital strategies
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Instruction and outreach
- Library spaces
- Scholarly communication
- User experience