Exhibit: From Foundation to Future: Twenty Years of the UC Merced Library

The story of the UC Merced Library began long before the campus opened its doors. It started with founding university librarian R Bruce Miller in 2001 and a small team who had the exciting and groundbreaking task of building a library from scratch.

This was a time of many "firsts" because no academic library had been founded in the 21st century. The information landscape was changing dramatically with the arrival of user-friendly web browsers, and the Library staff had to be bold, innovative, and collaborative to shape the library’s collections, services, and spaces for a new era.

From the beginning, the focus was to support research, expand access to information, invest in our students' success, create flexible spaces, and preserve the unique history of our region. This mission was supported by the vision and unwavering commitment of early supporters like Leo S. Kolligian, the Kashian family, Doris Gonella, and Christine McFadden, who believed in the dream of a UC campus in the Central Valley and the vital role its Library would play.

The exhibit provides a unique opportunity to explore the Library's evolution as the University of California, Merced welcomed its first undergraduate class in 2005.  

Exhibit Content:

First Floor 

• An Introduction: Preview materials including early campus images and selected Library communications. Discover “what to look for” as you explore the exhibit.

Second Floor

• The Library’s Journey: Learn about the Library’s beginnings, decisions, initiatives, spaces, and people. Features include Library “firsts”, highlighted partnerships, and reflections from Library student assistant alumni.

Third Floor 

• The Kolligian Library Building: View the well-loved model and artistic sketches by Frank Constantino.
• Campus Evolution: View aerial photos of the campus during its initial construction.
• Campus Convocation Materials: Discover items related to the university's September 5, 2005 opening.
• Selected Items from 2005: See a curated selection of materials from the campus’ earliest years.

Fourth Floor 

• Featured Faculty Author Series Titles: Browse a selection of UC Merced faculty publications from the Faculty Author Series.
• McFadden-Willis Reading Room Beginnings: Gain insight into the origins of this key Library space.

The exhibit is on display September 2, 2025 through June 1, 2026.