Dear Rice Community and Friends,
As we reflect on the past year at Fondren Library, we celebrate a period of remarkable growth, engagement, and innovation. Fiscal Year 2024 has been a testament to the library’s unwavering commitment to supporting Rice University’s research, teaching, and learning mission. With a focus on enhancing access to knowledge, fostering intellectual collaboration, and embracing technological advancements, Fondren continues to serve as a vital academic hub for the Rice community.
In FY24, we made significant strides in enhancing our collections, digital initiatives, and research support. The launch of the newly redesigned Rice Research Repository (R-3) reflects our commitment to increasing the visibility of Rice scholarship while ensuring long-term accessibility. Additionally, the Exxon Mobil map collection donation has been a landmark acquisition, providing invaluable resources for researchers across multiple disciplines. Through careful curation and innovative cataloging efforts, we continue to bridge historical records with modern research needs.
Fondren Library has been at the heart of dynamic programming that enriches the academic experience. Our Fondren Fellows program welcomed its largest cohort yet, engaging students in projects that enhance access to archival collections, explore historical narratives, and support digital scholarship. The Black Houston(s) Symposium, the Friends of Fondren Gala, and our Constitution Day celebration are just a few of the many events that brought the community together in meaningful ways.
The library has also strengthened its commitment to belonging and cultural engagement. Our book displays and themed collections have expanded to highlight community perspectives, with contributions from student organizations and faculty. Programs such as the Lunar New Year celebration and the First-Generation Student Festival exemplify our dedication to fostering a fun and welcoming space.
Technology remains a cornerstone of our services, from our expanding digital collections to the enhancement of research tools such as Overleaf and Zotero. Our Digital Media Commons has seen a surge in engagement, offering essential workshops on digital tools, artificial intelligence, and multimedia production. The soundproofing project for our audio and video studios will further enhance resources for students and faculty working on digital scholarship and creative projects.
We recognize that the physical and virtual library experience is critical to student success. The results of our user surveys have guided ongoing improvements, including the expansion of study spaces, the optimization of our room reservation system, and upgrades to library navigation. Our website refresh has streamlined access to resources, and our social media presence has grown exponentially, fostering greater engagement with students and faculty alike.
Looking ahead, we are committed to envisioning a future for Fondren that aligns with Rice University’s strategic goals. As we navigate the challenges of an aging facility, we remain focused on advocating for a library space that meets the evolving needs of our growing academic community.
None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication and creativity of our library staff, the support of university leadership, and the engagement of our students and faculty. Fondren Library thrives because of the people who use and support it, and I extend my deepest appreciation to all who contribute to its success.
As we move into the next fiscal year, we remain steadfast in our mission to inspire discovery, advance scholarship, and support the intellectual life of Rice University. We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and innovation.
With gratitude,
Sara Lowman
Vice Provost and University Librarian
