There is no denying that 2021 presented unique challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. While it has tested our mettle, it has also sharpened the Library’s capacity to support the University’s critical work – educating top talent and producing significant research and innovation.

In the summer of 2021, Waterloo ushered in a new era with Dr. Vivek Goel’s appointment as its seventh President and Vice Chancellor. Dr. Goel is clear in his commitment to making a difference at Waterloo, leveraging lessons learned during the pandemic to shape a digital future that is inclusive, international and interdisciplinary. The Library is well placed to see this vision come to life, emerging from the pandemic as a vibrant in-person and virtual hub in an increasingly digital world. We are focused on providing world-class access to dependable, anywhere, anytime information and expertise – a crucial catalyst for learning and research. The Waterloo community relies on the Library for an evolving mix of virtual and physical presence, and in early 2022, they will return to a great place to study, ready access to resources, ubiquitous Wi-Fi, and a cozy spot to enjoy a great book and a cup of coffee.

As you will see in the stories in this report, the Library continued to work on many core projects that are the lifeblood of learning, scholarly inquiry and a thriving community: building collections and resources that will support tomorrow’s innovations; learning from the past through archival materials; educating students in how to find and assess information; working closely with scholars in a rapidly shifting publishing world; and connecting users with the information and answers they seek.

As the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel emerges, our focus returns to imagining the library of the future here at Waterloo, one that anticipates the information needs of Waterloo’s evolving student talent and is an agile partner in research and innovation. Both the Dana Porter and the Davis Centre library facilities were built in the 20th century to support print collections and primarily in-person services. We are working in a purposeful way with the community to envision and plan for future uses of these facilities that are closely integrated with the overall Waterloo experience.

As I reflect on 2021, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of library staff to the University of Waterloo community. They are our greatest strength, working onsite and remotely, connecting students, instructors and the community with the information they need. I am also thankful for you and your support and ongoing interest in our work. On behalf of everyone here, I wish you all the best for a healthy and productive year, and hope our paths will cross soon, either virtually or in-person, here at Waterloo and beyond.

Warm regards,

Beth Namachchivaya University Librarian