UCLA University Librarian

Today the Chancellor issued an open letter to the UCLA community about the state’s budget impact on UCLA. He stated, “I want to assure you that every possible measure is being taken to minimize the impact of these budget cuts on our vital teaching, research and public service programs.  I have directed our deans and vice chancellors to reduce the hiring of new faculty and staff and to reduce spending on discretionary items.  We also have established a rigorous planning process for 2009-10 to examine every conceivable opportunity to save money while preserving the overall academic quality of our university.  We also are participating in the university’s overall advocacy campaign to maintain and build support for funding of public higher education.”

He also indicated that a UCLA specific budget web site is available at “www.ucla.edu/about/budget“.  I encourage all staff to bookmark this site as a valuable source of information as we continue to move through this process.

Renovation of a portion of the “A” level of the Young Research Library began on Januay 8, 2009.  AMG & Associates, Inc. is the winning contractor and their work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2009.  The contract sum is $1,324,961, lower than the estimates for the work which is wonderful news.  Funding for the project comes from the Library’s endowment funds.

The “A” level renovation will create new student study space and areas for unbound periodicals, newspapers, microforms, and maps and an open space concept that will draw light from the surrounding landscaped space on that level.  Walls will be removed creating an open approach from the elevators and stairway to the new space and approach to Special Collections.  All staff within CRIS will be located on this floor as well.

While we will be experiencing the distruptions of construction work, this space is currently unoccupied and demolition has been completed.  We expect that work will begin in late March on the renovated spaces to relocate Access Services to “A” level which will be completed about the same time.

Capital Programs and Perkins & Will have worked very hard in making this first phase a reality, and we are very excited to see it progress.

Happy New Year to all.

 I am certainly looking forward to a good year in 2009 and hope you join me in that quest.  Many of the challenges that we will face seem overwhelming, but together we will make it through.

I am particularly pleased that my reappointment has been announced by Scott Waugh, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost.  He stated in his letter that “the Review Committee praised Gary for his deep understanding of the changing environment of publishing, digital media and information technology in which our library system must operate if it is to be successful in the future.  He has acquired and applied new technologies giving the Library’s users renewed confidence in its ability to face the rapid and turbulent changes at hand in managing communication and information.  He has continued to focus on the traditional role of the Library as a place for students and faculty to read and borrow books.  Gary’s skills, experience, and commitment will continue to promote the quality of the Library.”

All of this is possible due to the deep commitment of the Library’s staff and the wealth of collections held.  Together this builds a firm foundation for the future.