Despite the cloud that the COVID-19 Delta variant has cast over the new semester, it has been a joy to see so many students and parents. There’s a palpable energy on the River Campus. Rush Rhees Library is abuzz! So, to our first-year and returning students, welcome and welcome back!
With a new semester comes a lot of change—for the better. The libraries are back to full occupancy and all of our treasured spaces, including the Art/Music Library, Robbins Library, and Rare Books and Special Collections, are open, no longer by appointment only. Our services are back to normal—physical materials are available for Course Reserves—and many of our programs will occur in person. We will also continue to offer virtual and hybrid experiences in response to the positive feedback that we received this past year. Although, the most exciting aspect of this semester is the reopening of the Carlson Library’s first floor, which saw a refresh and the construction of Studio X, and Gleason Library, which also underwent a significant refresh. These spaces are truly outstanding, visually and functionally.
Circling back to where I started, COVID has, unfortunately, become a familiar (but not permanent) part of the Rochester experience. On the bright side, we’re now well-versed in providing a safe and enriching learning and research experience, regardless of how the pandemic zigs or zags.
Whether you’re back at school or back in the office, we wish you an abundance of joy, good health, and success.
Mary Ann Mavrinac
Vice Provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean
University of Rochester Libraries
