I bid you a fond farewell this month as Dean and University Librarian. I have greatly enjoyed my 11 years at the University of Cincinnati. While the time has been filled with both opportunities and challenges, this chapter in my career has been highly rewarding. I have had the good fortune to work with two provosts who have been extremely supportive of libraries and with library faculty and staff who shared my commitment to providing the best possible libraries for the UC community.
As I reflect on this past decade, I am proud of what we in the UC Libraries have accomplished in terms of library collections, facilities, services, technology, and partnerships. We now have over four million volumes and are excelling in providing 24/7 access to electronic content when that is an option. We have made extensive renovations to our 10 libraries and anticipate more improvements in the future. Surveying our students and faculty and observing how they use libraries has enabled us to shape services and deploy technology in response to their needs. And, we have reached out into the community to strengthen existing ties with the Lloyd Library and Museum and Hebrew Union College and to forge new alliances with the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Library, the Cincinnati Art Museum Library, the Mercantile Library, and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. These accomplishments are due in large part to the shared vision the library faculty, staff, and I have crafted together through ongoing strategic planning. Our constant goal has been to keep the library user at the center of all that we do.
Finally, it is a rare person who works in libraries who does not love books. My staff and I are no exception. While we have wholeheartedly welcomed digital formats and recognize their importance in providing access to information, we still have taken time to promote printed books and the joy of reading. Staff members have created countless excellent physical and online book exhibits highlighting the rich collections found throughout the UC Libraries. We have continued to showcase the scholarly and creative publications of UC faculty with "Authors, Editors & Composers," now in its 26th year. And, we initiated two new traditions that celebrate books in their printed form: the annual "Books by the Banks: Cincinnati U.S.A. Book Festival" and the whimsical event known as "Edible Books," which we have held each April Fools' Day.
The UC Library system came into existence in 1895. I am delighted to have been part of that history for the past 11 years. I now look forward to watching the Libraries grow and prosper under the leadership of the new dean, Xuemao Wang.
Thank you for your tremendous support!
Vicki
Victoria A. Montavon
Dean and University Librarian
Dear Colleagues, Students, Faculty, and Friends: