YOU CAN ' T STOP A BADGER
LIBRARIES EDITION
Reflecting on a year of unique circumstances and looking forward to fall .
Unprecedented . Physical distancing . Masks . Frontline workers . P . P . E . Social Justice . Zoom fatigue . Remote working and learning . Stress . Many phrases sum up the challenges we ’ ve experienced over the last 14 + months . However , I ' ve found strength in words that signify how we leaned in and relied on each other to navigate this unusual period .
Collaboration . Teamwork . Expertise . Ingenuity . Patience . Agility . Technology solutions . Virtual hangouts . Patience . Compassion . Perseverance .
The extraordinary work of each UW – Madison Libraries staff person over the last year is truly remarkable . Through countless hours of planning , reworking , problem-solving , and more planning , the Libraries were able to continue to provide the critical resources students , faculty , researchers , and staff need to pursue their scholarly endeavors . While the Libraries are used to full spaces and high activity throughout the academic year , our reduced onsite capacity gave a different feel to this year .
We found other ways to ensure our users could connect — both onsite and remotely . We expanded our Ask a Librarian online reference service , worked constantly to expand and improve our new Library by Appointment system , and helped campus transition hundreds of courses to remote environments . We dramatically increased the amount of material made available through interlibrary loan . We held outstanding virtual events that drew large audiences from around the world . Throughout , our Libraries showed versatility and dedication .
I couldn ’ t be more thankful to and proud of our staff , students , and the campus community for working together to ensure a successful completion of the 2020 – 2021 academic year in the face of overwhelming disruption .
We are already deep into fall preparations and looking forward to a dynamic return to campus life . The Libraries are ready to engage . We will continue to ensure our community can enjoy and access our amazing resources , services , and collections in a safe and healthy environment . Above all , we will be ready to power the exceptional scholarship synonymous with the University of Wisconsin – Madison .
As you read the following pages , I hope you ’ ll enjoy the stories and information that highlight our accomplishments during this time — and how we are looking forward to the 2021 – 2022 year .
The Libraries have shown : You can ' t stop a Badger .
On , Wisconsin !
Lisa R . Carter Vice Provost for Libraries and University Librarian