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Dear Friends of the UCLA Library,
With the fall quarter and my December retirement approaching, I’ve been reflecting upon my decade-long tenure at UCLA Library. I am most gratified that librarians and staff have consistently developed their expertise to match the complexity of UCLA and the scholarship taking place across 12 highly ranked professional schools and the College, encompassing nearly 300 degree programs, majors and minors. With your support, we’ve advanced the Library’s mission by endowing several key librarian positions, evolving use of new technologies and Library spaces–like adding the Data Science Center and a new state-of-the-art distinctive collections classroom–and steadily building our open access collections, digitizing and making accessible unique international collections, including through our Modern Endangered Archives Program.
I continue to focus on the information needs of students, faculty and the campus community while also advancing services, collections and strategic partnerships that will set the stage for my successor. As I transition to the role of passionate UCLA Library supporter, I look forward to seeing the Library continue to move knowledge forward by taking our iconic campus spaces, expert research and instruction, and incomparable collections to the next level in support of Bruin success.
I also invite you to learn about Michael and Susan Kahn’s donation of the world-class Kahn Political Cartoon Collection. The Kahns also provided funds to establish a 10-year interdisciplinary initiative that will optimize use of this extraordinary collection across academic disciplines. I’m truly touched that Mike and Susan chose to recognize my service to UCLA by making this additional gift in my honor.
Thank you all for your support over the years. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and excited for the future of the UCLA Library.
With gratitude,
Virginia Steel
Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian