Impact Report 2022

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.

    More from Julie

Re-engaging students

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.

    Read about our lower level renovation

Cold case

Helping future investigators solve decades-old cold case

Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten and students in WMU'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 WMU's occupational therapy program.

    Read about preserving the past

  • 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.

    Read about exploring the 'Present Perfect'

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 WMU community and for making a difference through their excellent work.

    Read about our outstanding employees

  • 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.

    Read about our DEI efforts

  • Debuting ‘Talking Open’ podcast on climate justice for Open Access Week

    The podcast series hosted in October featured experts within the WMU community discussing the connection between open access and climate justice.

    Read about our podcast series

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 sustainability programming.
  • Implement new digital signage to improve Waldo Library’s user experience.
  • Renovate individual study rooms in summer 2023.

Mission, vision and focus areas

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 WMU and the global community.

Our focus areas

  • Collections
  • Digital strategies
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Instruction and outreach
  • Library spaces
  • Scholarly communication
  • User experience

Learn more about our focus areas