Acting University Library Dean
I am always excited about the beginning of the fall term on the Hilltop. Since I was an undergrad, there has always been something truly special about that brief span of time at the end of summer when new students step on campus for the first time, returning students come back, and many begin their final-year commencement preparations while staff, faculty, and librarians work tirelessly making ready for the academic year ahead.
To all of you – students, faculty, librarians, and staff who have made their way back to USF in the past few weeks, or are here for the first time – welcome. And I hope y’all find your way over to Gleeson! We’ve missed you, and we’d love to see you all soon.
While welcoming and welcoming back are truly important, I also want to share my deepest gratitude for the staff who have been here on campus in person during shelter-in-place. There are staff in the library and across campus for whom “return to campus” brings different meaning.
We have library staff who have been on-site since as early as July 2020. There are hundreds of other USF staff who share that story. Collectively, these folks have kept this place going while USF delivered phenomenal remote instruction. While on-site staff did not go it alone – librarians, faculty, and other staff were online as they supported each other every step of the way – the work of on-site folks was tremendous and needs to be fully acknowledged. Thank you all very much.
Looking ahead, fall at the library will be very familiar to anyone who already knows us. The library is a great place to study, hang out, or relax. We’re here 7 days a week for everyone in the community. We are planning to host a number of fall events, and many of you will visit as part of a class. Our extensive print collections are fully accessible to you, and our online resources are always here for you 24/7. Group study rooms are up and running.
Looking ahead, USF is entering a year of reflection on the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. From Fr. Fitzgerald’s recent email to the community:
St. Ignatius’ 500-year-old story speaks to a common human struggle to embrace hope, freedom, and love after an experience of intense disappointment and loss. For many of us, that’s been the story of this past year, and we find ourselves longing for healing, justice, and a renewed sense of vocation and purpose at work.
As we remember and celebrate our Ignatian tradition, we do so within the horizon offered by the Universal Apostolic Preferences — to foster spiritual depth and discernment, to care for our common home, to walk with the marginalized, and to accompany youth toward a hope-filled future.
I can think of no better calling as we emerge from the pandemic.
Along with the entire USF community, the library will engage with the year ahead with an eye toward St. Ignatius’ calling. In the coming year, the university will reflect on concrete ways we are called to enact these preferences.
While there is much to be thankful for, and our future is indeed bright, we are most grateful for you and our shared project that is USF.
Take good care, and GO DONS!
-shawn