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Welcome Message from the Dean

Charles Eckman
Dean and University Librarian

August 19, 2019

It is my great pleasure to welcome new and returning students to the University of Miami Libraries. The UM Libraries rank among the top 50 academic research libraries in the United States and support the full range of research, teaching, learning, and clinical care activities across the three UM campuses (Coral Gables, Virginia Key, and Downtown Miami). Our libraries provide extraordinarily broad and deep print and electronic resources in all areas of the sciences, engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, and design.

Highlights and developments at the UM Libraries this academic year:

  • The Learning Commons (LC) continues to build relationships with campus resources, including a new partnership with the Office of Academic Enhancement, which will open in its new home on the second floor of the Richter Library later this fall. The LC and Toppel Career Center are also collaborating to pilot a peer-to-peer advising program beginning in September. Additionally, the LC is working with The Launch Pad to build an Entrepreneurship Collection at Richter.
  • The Gallery at the Kislak Center, which opened during the summer featuring highlights from the Kislak Collection, will be celebrated at a public Open House on Thursday, September 5 at 5 p.m.—everyone is welcome.
  • The Magic Leap Lab is open on the third floor of the Otto G. Richter Library. Magic Leap One devices are available to tryout at the following libraries: Richter Library (Creative Studio, first floor); Weeks Library (Creative Studio, first floor); Calder Library; Rosenstiel Library; and the Architecture Research Center (ARC).
  • Renovation and expansion of the Architecture Research Center (ARC) is nearing completion. The Library has doubled in size and features new technology, new windows, new furniture, and an expanded rare books and archival program space.
  • Continued refreshment of furniture at the Weeks Music Library, including installation of a second sound isolation and recording booth, as well as new furniture on the second floor.
  • Opening of a new meditation room and additional group study rooms on the second floor of the Richter Library, as well as new furniture on that floor.
  • Completion of the installation of hurricane-grade windows on the first and second floors of the Richter Library, as well as at the Architecture Research Center (ARC).
  • The CREATE program enters its third year. We welcome applications for CREATE grants supporting innovative uses of UM Libraries and Lowe Art Museum collections.

Student participation and input, including advice provided by the Student Government academic council liaisons, have driven the Learning Commons and furniture refreshment projects all across the UM Libraries. We are pleased that you view the UM Libraries as a key resource for your personal academic growth and development.

Whether you are looking for a location for group collaboration, in-depth research assistance, technology support, academic services, such as those provided at our new Learning Commons, or just a quiet place to study, our UM Libraries faculty and staff look forward to seeing you at one of our six locations:

Coral Gables Campus

Medical Campus (Downtown Miami)

Rosenstiel Campus (Virginia Key)

We wish you an engaging and successful year!