We enjoyed hosting over 100 attendees at a reception to celebrate our 20-year anniversary and the opening of our exhibit From Foundation to Future: Twenty Years of the UC Merced Library.
Together we visited and reflected on our connections to the Library and the campus. Attendees included those who advocated for UC Merced long before the campus opened to its first class of undergraduates on September 5, 2005. Our program featured remarks from our founding University Librarian R Bruce Miller read by Joe Ameen, Research and Learning Librarian and Class of 2009 alum.
Before serving as UC Merced’s founding University Librarian (UL), Miller was an Associate University Librarian at UC San Diego and an early champion in the library world for 24/7 full-text online information resources for research universities. Beyond the opportunity to translate this theory of information access into reality, Miller summed up his attraction to UC Merced:
So, what drew me to UC Merced? That is a simple question. Opportunity. I saw that the moment was ripe to create a 21st century library for a premier research university. I was excited about the mission of the University to reach out to an underserved population. I saw the potential to rapidly create a model for other research libraries to emulate… The main thing is that I saw the chance to create something that really mattered. And that happened.
Miller started at UC Merced in 2001 and retired ten years later (2011). Reflecting on his years as UL, he described it as
all fun and enjoyable. And exhausting. And crazy. I had never worked so hard and had never felt so much responsibility, but I also had never been so rewarded for getting it right. I loved every moment.
Donald Barclay, Librarian Emeritus and a close colleague of Miller’s, highlighted key memories about the opening of UC Merced and the Library—from the Wells Fargo wagon drawn by four mules up Scholars Lane for the campus’ opening convocation to students entering and exiting the Kolligian Library building for classes through the fire escapes since the lantern was still under construction.
Barclay emphasized the incredible value of this UC campus and its library, both for those initial students and students to come.
I do believe looking back at our 20 years that the university, not just the library, has done so much good for the state and the nation and the world and especially for the students who came here. And, whatever happens in the future, I will always be proud of that and everybody who was involved.
Sara Davidson Squibb ended with final remarks to note significant dates that led to UC Merced’s establishment and the Library’s founding. The UC Regents first authorized planning for a new UC campus in 1998, and 2003 when the Library’s groundbreaking ceremony took place.
She encouraged visitors to explore the Library’s exhibit, which has content on display on all four floors. The Library’s story is featured on the 2nd floor with Library “firsts”; recognition of key library supporters; design decisions; physical and digital collection building; staff highlights; and reflections from former library student assistants. Guests also had the opportunity to post their ideas for a Library 20 years from now. The 1st, 3rd and 4th floors include exhibit cases with materials ranging from a model of the Kolligian Library building to aerial photos taken weeks and days prior to the campus opening.
The reception concluded with celebratory cake and ongoing conversation. Thank you to our guests who made the effort to join us. It was fun to visit with community members, faculty, current and former staff, students, and colleagues beyond our UC Merced family. We even captured a photo of UC Merced Library staff who were here in 2005.
We’ll end with a final remark from R Bruce Miller.
I often think of each and everyone of you on my founding team. I thank all of you who are still here nurturing the dream. I offer hugs and heartfelt congratulations for what you have accomplished.
To learn more about the exhibit, visit:
Commemorative exhibit sticker
Exhibit panel on 2nd floor, highlighting UC Merced champion Leo S. Kolligian
Opening exhibit reception attendees enjoy food and conversation
Joe Ameen, Research & Learning Librarian and Class of 2009 reads remarks from Founding University Librarian, R Bruce Miller
Donald Barclay, Librarian Emeritus, reflects on UC Merced's beginnings and speaks about the impact of the university
Sara Davidson Squibb, Associate University Librarian for Research and Engagement, highlights exhibit contents for attendees
Cake served post-remarks to celebrate the 20th anniversary
Opening exhibit reception attendees including Library staff
UC Merced Library staff (current & former) who were working at UC Merced when it opened September 5, 2005
