Ex Libris - Spring 2025
West Virginia University Libraries Magazine
WVU's Pillars in the Libraries: Augmenting the University’s student success, research and land-grant missions with the power of libraries.
Read Issue FeaturesLetter from Dean of WVU Libraries
It’s been a busy time for West Virginia University Libraries! Campus changes have led to library changes. We undertook a major restructuring and resulting from that work is a new Research Support & Engagement (RSE) Department. RSE has supported WVU researchers with emerging research and open data and science requirements. Additionally, we’ve added the new Student Success & Instruction (SSI) Department, which has assisted faculty and students with embracing new hybrid learning models. I am also pleased to welcome our new Humanities Center Director, Sharon Ryan, PhD.
Something that has not changed is that our Art in the Libraries program continues to develop exciting new exhibits and programming that engage the campus. The program celebrated 10 years with a retrospective exhibit highlighting all it has accomplished over the years.
The West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) was honored to host the Archivist of the United States at the invitation of U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va). Dr. Colleen Shogan met with students, the community and our own campus archivists, highlighting WVU’s special collections and encouraging future collaboration with the National Archives.
As I write this, I am starting my ninth year at WVU and my seventh year as dean. While I have seen much change during this time, I am proud of how WVU Libraries continues to move forward. I have enjoyed getting to know so many great colleagues who bring passion and purpose to their work. As our services and structure evolve with new technologies, new demands and new challenges, we are driven by our core purpose of connecting people with information and cultural heritage to empower their exploration, discovery, learning and innovation.
Thank you for sharing that passion and vision and for your continued support of the work that ultimately brings about student success.
Karen Diaz
Dean of WVU Libraries
