Dear Rice Community and Friends,
This year, Fondren Library advanced Rice University’s Momentous vision by deepening our focus on student learning, faculty support, and transformative technology. As Rice prioritizes personalized learning and responsible AI, the library continues to be a hub where students create knowledge, faculty advance research and teaching, and the broader community connects with ideas and resources.
In FY25, engagement grew across workshops, consultations, and technology-rich learning experiences. Students increasingly used library spaces and tools to produce original work and explore emerging technologies, supported by initiatives such as the Fondren Fellows and Fondren Ambassadors programs, which position students as leaders and collaborators in shaping library services. Woodson Research Center projects further expanded opportunities for hands-on discovery, connecting students and scholars with distinctive collections in new ways. Faculty partnerships also deepened, integrating digital methods, data, and AI into research and teaching.
In the Fall of 2025, we also marked the development of Fondren Library’s own strategic plan, created in alignment with Momentous through a highly collaborative and data-informed process. Drawing on campus input, especially from the Committee on the Library, internal and external analysis, and broad staff engagement, the plan establishes clear priorities—from empowering students to leveraging transformative technologies—and will guide our work over the next several years.
This progress is made possible in part through the generosity of our supporters. Contributions from the Friends of Fondren and other donors have enabled new initiatives, enhanced spaces such as the Brown Fine Arts Library and the sixth floor, and expanded opportunities for students and faculty alike.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to innovation, access, and the future of knowledge at Rice.
With appreciation,
Sara Lowman
Vice Provost and University Librarian
Editor’s Note
In keeping with the university, Fondren Library runs a fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. Unless
otherwise noted, stories and numbers in this annual report are gathered utilizing the July 1,
2024 - June 30, 2025 fiscal year. Sincere appreciation to the AR team and to the editing assistance of Fondren Ambassador, Hazel Landers '26. Cover photo: Debra Kolah