Greetings and congratulations to all of the May 2024 graduates! As I conclude my first 100 days in Baltimore and with the University of Maryland Baltimore Health Sciences and Human Services Library, I want to thank all of you who have helped me navigate the system. From employees in university human resources who helped me get started on day one to deans and vice provosts who have been nice enough to meet with me to discuss the work they do and brainstorm how we can collaborate further. My first months and early decisions have been informed by listening to the diverse voices at UMB.
Working with my team at the library we were able to move forward to complete some of the major renovations on the third floor, where electricity was finally installed under the carpet to create a safter more technology forward environment for all. Charging stations will be coming to this area soon. Other updates have also begun to take shape around the library including touched up paint in some high use areas, new carpet and tables coming to study rooms and some more technology updates like monitors throughout the building to keep everyone informed about all the great library programs and services.
With graduation on the horizon for many I am happy that I will be able to attend some of the graduation ceremonies to support our graduating students. I am grateful to our students for filling the library with their presence throughout their time in their programs. I was fortunate to see some students and wish them well during our student breaks in the library. I hope to see some students continue to use the library as they pursue advanced degrees at UMB or begin clinical practice in the area. Summer is a great time to come in and use the library!
As we move into the fall, I look forward to meeting with more people and learning even more about the employees who work in the library and the students, faculty and staff who use the library year-round. As I continue to think about space revitalization, I hope to gain feedback from our users through the creation of advisory committees and by working closely with campus partners I hope to bring more and different services into the library space for users through pop-up offerings. Moving the library toward becoming more connected to student and employee needs so that the HSHSL is a beacon of campus vibrancy is important to me!