This past year has been one of remarkable progress for the UT Libraries. Following the launch of our 2023–2030 strategic vision, we have continued to adapt to new directions in teaching and research, finding innovative ways to contribute to the mission of the university. I am excited about promoting those achievements—several of which you can read about in this issue of Speaking Volumes.

As the heart of campus, UT Libraries seeks to cultivate the Volunteer experience by providing resources and support that will empower a generation of lifelong learners. Whether it’s learning how to use our 3D printers from a specialist in our Pendergrass Makerspace or Medbery Makerspace, chatting online with a librarian for research assistance, or accessing course-assigned textbooks through our ebook collection, our campus community benefits from the expertise and dedication of our library team. 

We are enabling researchers to conduct research that makes life and lives better. As we prepare to construct our new Library Storage Annex, we have been reviewing our physical collections to ensure that our collection development strategy meets the needs of the campus community. We are increasing funds available to help authors publish their research in open-access formats and expanding research data services such as data preservation. Those are just a few of the ways we are committed to extending the reach and impact of scholars at UT Knoxville.

We strive to ensure a culture where Vol is a verb by building inclusive and accessible learning environments. Our 2024 programming brought visibility to underrepresented voices: Carolyn Finney discussed the intersection of race and environmentalism for the Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture, and Amythyst Kiah drew inspiration from our special collections to write and perform an original song for our Boundless: Artists in the Archives series. 

We make ourselves nimble and adaptable by always seeking impactful ways to optimize services and processes. Through intentional assessment practices like our biannual campus-wide survey of students, faculty, and staff, we are increasing our understanding of the library user experience. Committees examining professional and leadership development have recommended fresh ways to empower and strengthen a culture of innovation among our staff and faculty.

We aim to embody the modern land-grant research university ethos by broadening our impact across the state and around the world. We have expanded partnerships with 4-H programs, community colleges, and K–12 education systems—inspiring future Volunteers while supporting our community. Whether prototyping tools for College of Veterinary Medicine faculty or assisting entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, we contribute to real-world value through research and scholarship that benefit everyone. 

There is much to celebrate regarding the outstanding work done by our library faculty, staff, and student workers. Without them, we could not offer the incredible resources, services, collections, and programs that sustain our campus community; because of them, we are well on our way toward achieving our vision.