The University of Waterloo Library experienced another impactful year in 2023, with exciting advancements in services and programs that support our students, faculty, staff and the wider community. As I reflect on this past year, I am inspired by the ways in which we have advanced both the Library’s strategic plan and the University’s Waterloo at 100 vision.

In this year's report, we highlight and reflect on projects that demonstrate how the Library catalyzes learning and research, through partnerships within campus and beyond; how we engage with our community to support curious students and researchers; and how we advance new practice and programs that anticipate the information needs of future-ready graduates and researchers.

Our library spaces and services continue to be the heart of campus, an iconic symbol of both learning and research excellence at UWaterloo. In the spring 2023 issue of the University of Waterloo Magazine, tribute was paid to the storied Dana Porter Library building, with beautiful illustrations, an ‘Ode to Dana Porter’ and a curated selection of archival images selected by the staff of the Library’s Special Collection & Archives. Throughout this report you’ll see more historical photographs of our libraries.

As we pay tribute to the place of the Library on campus, both past and present, we are also looking ahead to consider how we can re-imagine the Library of the future to provide services and collections that support scholars and researchers in a rapidly changing information landscape. Bringing together programs, spaces, technology and human expertise to advance inquiry, innovation and an equitable, sustainable society is our aim as we imagine the possibilities, creating a deeply connected community that strives to integrate reconciliation and Indigeneity at its core.

As we consider what’s next, we’re asking ourselves what the role of the Library is in sustaining community, belonging and scholarship in a rapidly-evolving higher education ecosystem and the world. Developing solutions to questions like these will be a critical part of the Library’s evolution, working in partnership with the University. As we further this important work, I’d like to thank you for your continued interest and support.

Happy reading!

Beth Namachchivaya University Librarian